...The Aroha Quartet played [the Beethoven] with passion, with beautiful tone and meticulous clear phrasing...This was a memorable concert and the Aroha Quartet are one of the great musical assets of our city....
(Steven Sedley in Middle C)
Robert Ibell - cello

Robert Ibell was born in Dannevirke and brought up in Palmerston North. While training there as a school teacher he learned cello from Judith Hyatt in Wellington.

From 1986 to 1992 Robert lived in London, studying cello with Tania Hunt, Derek Simpson and Christopher Bunting. He played at music schools and in masterclasses (where his teachers included Alexander Baillie, Steve Doane, Anner Bylsma and Steven Isserlis), taught, gave recitals and played in professional and amateur orchestras.

From 1993 to 2019 Robert was a member of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He is now a cello teacher, chamber music coach, adjudicator and freelance performer. Robert is a member of the Aroha Quartet, square piano/cello duo Hammers & Horsehair, contemporary music group Stroma and indie/folk/rock band Milkthistle.