April 30, 1916 – January 25, 1999


Living near Atlanta, it is no surprise that Robert Shaw is a name I know well. When my mother was in high school she had the privilege of singing with Shaw’s chorale in a Christmas performance. His name is synonymous with Classical Music in this city – both orchestral and choral.

But in researching Robert Shaw I found there was much more to him than just a great conductor.

Shaw credited his early love of music to his gospel-singing family. Born into a long line of evangelical ministers, he grew up singing around the family piano. At first it seemed that he would follow in the family’s footsteps when he majored in philosophy and religion at Pomona College in Pomona, CA. It was his association with the college’s glee club that eventually led to his becoming a conductor.

In 1941, at the age of 25, Shaw started the Collegiate Chorale. Not only was the choral group noted for its ability (noticed by Arturo Toscanini of the NBC symphony), but also for its racial diversity. This was especially notable during a time when segregation was still common, even legal. (The military was not desegregated until 1948). Shaw’s efforts in this area continued when he came to Atlanta. He actively searched for African-American musicians to add to the (at that time) all white orchestra, and was instrumental in minorities coming to be part of the ASO Board. He also led the ASO at the inauguration of Maynard Jackson – Atlanta’s first black mayor.

Shaw served as the music director for the San Diego Symphony from 1953-1957. He then went on to serve as the assistant director of the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell, then in 1967 came to Atlanta as the music director and conductor of the ASO. He formed the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus in 1970. He continued in the administrative capacity o the ASO until 1988.

But even resigning from administration, he continued to act as guest conductor, teacher, and director of the ASO Chorus, and also recording. He was appointed to the National Council on the Arts by President Jimmy Carter. In 1991 he was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. In his lifetime he won 14 Grammy awards.

Robert Shaw will forever be remembered as a teacher, performer, and conductor whose name will inspire musicians for years to come.