“Robert Kyr is among the most prolific composers of his generation, having composed [12 symphonies, 3 chamber symphonies, 3 violin concerti, and much chamber music,] in addition to [numerous] vocal works. His choral music is distinguished by a warmly compelling lyricism, as well as by a contrapuntal mastery that arises from his love of early music, especially the work of Dufay, Josquin Des Prez, and above all, Bach…


    Kyr also envisioned choral music as an intrinsic part of international peacemaking. At the end of the [twentieth] century, he wrote that ‘by performing and hearing music from around the world, [one is] taking an active part in promoting understanding—and, ultimately, peace [among] the diverse peoples of humankind. As a communal art, choral music is an especially moving way to experience the unity of all people; it has the power to bring us together as peoples of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities.’”


Excerpt from Choral Music in the Twentieth Century by Nick Strimple. Amadeus Press

        (Portland), 2002. Chapter 12: 250.

Above (Top): Robert Kyr in a rehearsal of Variations for a New Day, performed by Fear No Music in Portland;


Above (Left): Kyr conducting a workshop session of the Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium, which he directs at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance;


Above (Right): Kyr at the 8th World Symposium on Choral Music of the International Federation for Choral Music, which was held in Copenhagen in July 2008.

Photo taken from “Peace Work” (Portland Monthly). Photo: Stuart Mullenberg.