Robert A Hawthorne
Composer
Robert A. Hawthorne is an Oregon-based
composer and recently retired choral music
educator. For 31 years, his students regularly
performed at state solo, chamber and large
choir festivals.
Robert's two-volume Portland Psalter,
published by Church Publishing, Inc, New
York City, has been a mainstay in the
Episcopal liturgy for over 25 years.
“The Cobbler’s Rhyme” is published by
Santa Barbara Music Publishing. MorningStar
Music Publishing catalog includes Robert's
sensitive setting of “O Gracious Light,”
published in 2026 and his playful
arrangement of "Shepherds, Shake Off Your
Drowsy Sleep," for unison children's choir,
flute and piano, set for publication in April
of 2027.
Robert's settings of "Song of Mary" and "Song of Simeon" for SATB Choir and organ were premiered at choral evensong on January 4, 2026, by the St. Paul Chamber Singers, conducted by Dr. Paul Klemme in Salem, Oregon.
Robert's collaboration with poet Margaret Anne Kean resulted in a 5-movement work for SATB choir, piano and cello of her "Grief Work" poems. The final movement, "Ripples" was premiered on June 28, 2026 at the International Choral Composers Institute. The entire work will be premiered on April 13, 2027 by the Winthrop University Chamber Singers, Dr. Jeremy Mims, Conductor.
Robert's current collaborations include a new SSATB choral work with piano, with Christine Tavares Mocha and the Valencia High School Concert Choir, which will premiere on December 3 and 4, 2026, a new congregational hymn-tune arrangement for 2-part choir, 3-octave handbell choir, organ, violin and cello using the text and tune "Of the Parent's Heart, the Firstborn" for St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Beaverton, Oregon, set to premiere a on Sunday, December 20, 2026.
Robert is member of ASCAP, ACDA and NAfME.
