Mr Louis Robert Guthrie's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Guthrie, world-renowned classical guitarist and beloved teacher. Robert passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023, at the age of 79.
Robert was born on December 26, 1943, to William Spurgeon and Lucille Guthrie in College Station, TX. While attending the North Carolina School of Arts, he studied with Jesus Silva and Andres Segovia, and was one of the first Artist-in-Resident appointments by the North Carolina Arts Council.
Robert was well known to American audiences through his many appearances as recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber player, and guitar duet player. He made recordings for National Public Radio (NPR) and was the subject of a PBS documentary highlighting his performance virtuosity and teaching expertise. In addition, he performed throughout Mexico, Italy, Russia, Spain and Venezuela.
Robert was also a dedicated teacher, and his passion for the guitar extended to his students. His teaching credits include hundreds of master’s classes in universities and conservatories throughout the US and worldwide. He was a faculty member at Yale University, the Boston Conservatory, the Aspen Music Festival, and served as head of the guitar program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Robert is survived by his wife Dianne, stepchildren, Stephen Ashworth and Emily Tippett, and grandchildren, Christian, Kai and Dominic Ashworth, and Cole Tippett. Robert Guthrie's funeral will be held next Friday, 1/27, at 1pm at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery:
13005 Greenville Ave
Dallas, TX. 75243
The service will be outdoors at graveside in the "Faith" section of the cemetery, with a reception to follow at 2PM in the Reception Hall.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Meadows Division of Music “Support the Guitar Program,” in memory of Robert Guthrie.
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