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Robert Whitney

1904 – 1986

American conductor

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About Robert Whitney

Lived 1904 – 1986 (aged 82). Robert Whitney was an American conductor.

Robert Sutton Whitney (July 9, 1904 – November 22, 1986) was an American conductor and composer. He was a student of Leo Sowerby.

Robert Whitney was best known for founding, in November 1937, together with the mayor of Louisville, Kentucky the Louisville Orchestra, and becoming its first conductor, a post he held until 1967. (Its original name was the "Louisville Civic Arts Association," which was later changed to the "Louisville Philharmonic Society." The orchestra finally adopted its current name after it filed an amendment to its articles of incorporation in 1977.) His concerto grosso had earlier (1934) been performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Whitney Hall, the largest performance venue in The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is named for him.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Employers
University of Louisville
Awards
Laurel Leaf Award; Ditson Conductor's Award
Also known as
Robert Sutton Whitney

People in Robert Whitney's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Robert Whitney's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Robert Whitney?

American conductor (1904–1986)

When was Robert Whitney born?

Robert Whitney was born on 6 July 1904 in Newcastle upon Tyne.

When did Robert Whitney die?

Robert Whitney died on 22 November 1986 in Louisville.

What was Robert Whitney's occupation?

Robert Whitney was a conductor.

What nationality was Robert Whitney?

Robert Whitney was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Robert Whitney

· Wikidata: Q4470226

· DBpedia: Robert Whitney (conductor)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert Whitney. https://biography.guide/robert-whitney/

MLA: "Robert Whitney." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-whitney/.

Chicago: "Robert Whitney." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-whitney/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-24 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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