Robert Turner (composer)

Robert Comrie Turner, CM (6 June 1920 – 26 January 2012) was a Canadian composer, radio producer, and music educator. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in music from McGill University in 1943. While there he studied with Douglas Clarke and Claude Champagne. He continued his studies briefly at Colorado College in 1947, where he met his wife, percussionist Sara Scott. They married in 1949. In 1947, Turner transferred to Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, where he studied with Roy Harris. He graduated in 1950 with a master's degree. During this time, Turner spent two summers studying with Herbert Howells and Gordon Jacob at the Royal College of Music and one summer at the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood studying with Olivier Messiaen. He returned to McGill University in 1951, graduating with a doctorate two years later.[1]

Turner worked as a CBC Vancouver music producer 1952-68, where his responsibilities included the broadcasts of the CBC Vancouver Chamber Orchestra. He taught at the University of British Columbia 1955-7, at Acadia University 1968-9, and at the University of Manitoba 1969-85. He was appointed professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba upon his retirement in 1985. Several of his students have gone on to have successful careers including Peter Allen, Pat Carrabré, Jim Hiscott, Diana McIntosh and Glenn Buhr.

Among his numerous works are two operas: The Brideship (1967) and Vile Shadows (1983).[2]

Turner was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2002.[3]

Turner died on 26 January 2012, in Winnipeg.[4]

Robert Turner's family and friends published a memorial and archive website which includes tributes from students and colleagues, audio samples, a list of compositions, and an extensive bibliography. The website can be found at robert-turner.com.