Shaw, Robert (1916-1999), was one of the outstanding choral conductors of his time. His choruses were known for their technical skill and the vitality of their singing. Shaw excelled with highly dramatic works that required large choruses.
Shaw was born in Red Bluff, California. He achieved his first musical success with the Collegiate Chorale, which he organized in 1941. In 1948, he formed the Robert Shaw Chorale. Shaw was also a noted orchestra conductor. He conducted the San Diego Symphony Orchestra from 1953 to 1958. Shaw served as associate conductor of the Cleveland Symphony from 1956 to 1967. He was musical director of the Atlanta Symphony from 1967 to 1988.
