Robert Parker

Robert Parker (9 January 1847 – 20 February 1937) was a New Zealand organist, choirmaster and conductor.

Early life Parker was born in London, England, in 1847. He received his music education, studying violin, piano and organ, from the organist George Cooper, as a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral and at the London Academy of Music and Queens' College, Cambridge.

The writer Katherine Mansfield based the character of the piano teacher Mr Bullen in her short story The Wind Blows on Parker.

Honours and awards He was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in the 1930 New Year Honours as "a leading member of the musical profession in the Dominion of New Zealand".

Personal life Parker married Emma Martin in 1871 and they had four sons and three daughters.

He died in Wellington on 20 February 1937.