Robert M. Cundick, Organist and composer, Died at 89

  Music

Robert Milton Cundick Sr. was born in 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah and died on January 7, 2016.

He was a Latter-day Saint composer.

Roberts also served for many years as an organist at the Mormon Tabernacle.

Which included accompanying the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and playing organ solos on the weekly broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word.

Robert grew up in Sandy, Utah.

Cundick parents were Milton and Florence Pierson Cundick, were both faithful and devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the standards of the Church were a major influence on his life.

Robert interest in music began early in life as he played in bands and orchestras, as well as serving as the organist for weekly church services (by age 12 he had become organist for his congregation).

As his skills grew more refined, Robert was privileged to become the student of Mormon Tabernacle Organist Alexander Schreiner.

Cundick joined the music faculty at BYU in 1957.

In 1962, LDS Church President David O. McKay called Cundick and his family (including five children ages 5–11) to go to London, England, to serve as the organist at the new Hyde Park Chapel.

During his time spent in England, Cundick appeared in concert at St. Paul’s Cathedral and King’s College, Cambridge, in addition to his daily recitals at Hyde Park Chapel and a BBC broadcast.

When he had completed his two-year mission, Cundick, and his family returned to Provo, Utah, where he resumed his teaching and compositional activity at BYU.

Robert was called to serve as an organist at the Mormon Tabernacle, located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Cundick served for twenty-seven years.

Afte his retirement in 1991, himself and his wife were called to serve as Directors of Hosting at the BYU Jerusalem Center in Jerusalem, Israel.

After he stopped working as the Tabernacle Organist, Cundick has sought to publicize serious works of Utah and Mormon composers.

Robert won the Life Time achievement Pearl Award in 2004.

Robert continues to devote his time to composition and other music related activities, always making time to serve those around him.

Cundick released a CD containing compositions from over 50 years of his creativity, in 2007

Robert M. Cundick passed away at 89 years old.