Dates

• Existence: 1926 - 2016

Biographical History

Robert Cundick (1926-2016) is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, composer, musician, and a well-known organist for the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Robert Cundick was born in 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His talent for the organ manifested itself at an early age. At twelve years old, he was ward organist. After serving in World War II, Cundick attended the University of Utah where he studied composition with Leroy Robertson and organ with Alexander Schreiner. He acquired his B.F.A and M.F.A there (MST) and ultimately received a doctorate in musical composition in 1955. In 1957, Cundick was on the Brigham Young University faculty until called to serve as an organist at the Hyde Park Chapel in England from 1962 to 1964. Upon his return to the United States, Cundick became the organist for the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in 1965, finally retiring in 1991. Cundick continues to compose today and recently earned the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pearl Awards in 2004.

Citation:

'A Passion for Music: Robert Cundick Receives a Life-Achievement Award' by Carma Wadley, Deseret News, July 11, 2004. (Ward organist at 12 years old; WWII vet, attended University of Utah; studied composition with Leroy Robertson and organ with Alexander Schreiner; doctorate in musical composition in 1955; Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square organist from 1965-1991; retired in 1991; earned Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pearl Awards in 2004)

Scholars Testify (http://mormonscholarstestify.org/615/robert-cundick), website viewed Mar. 24, 2011 (b. 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah; B.F.A. and M.F.A. at University of Utah; BYU faculty in 1957; called as Hyde Park Chapel organist 1962-1964)

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