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 SATB, organ settings of "Song of Mary" and "Song of Simeon" were premiered at choral evensong on January 4, 2026 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 is set to be premiered on April 13, 2027 by the Winthrop University Chamber Singers, Dr. Jeremy Mims, Conductor. Robert is currently collaborating with Christine Tavares Mocha on a project for the Valencia High School Concert Choir, premiering on December 4, 2026 and with Luis Rivera and his Woodburn High School Choir set to premiere on May 22, 2027.  Robert has composed congregational mass settings, canticles and anthems. Robert is member of ASCAP, ACDA and NAfME.