A look at the ASO's Robert Shaw

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Photos: A look back at the career of the late Robert Shaw, legendary former leader of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

A documentary project that will combine archival footage with interviews and narration to present a picture of the late, legendary Atlanta Symphony Orchestra director Robert Shaw’s life and career here and elsewhere is in the works. The film will deal with such questions as how he managed to achieve such stellar success without formal music education. -- Text by James L. Paulk for the AJC

It is hard to overstate Shaw’s importance to the classical music scene in Atlanta. During his tenure, 1967-1988, the ASO became a major international orchestra. -- Text by James L. Paulk for the AJC

You can hear the disciplined “Shaw sound” today not only in the ASO Chorus, but in other Atlanta area choruses, owing to the influence of singers who learned from him and then were able to use his techniques. -- Text by James L. Paulk for the AJC

Robert Shaw with Yoel Levi before their historic performance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Shaw established the ASO Chorus in 1970, building it into one of the most respected choruses in the world. Many of the recordings from that era remain cherished classics. -- Text by James L. Paulk for the AJC

The ASO's "Christmas with Robert Shaw" was a popular holiday tradition in Atlanta.

Georgia State University in Atlanta awarded an honorary doctorate to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra music director emeritus Robert Shaw. The honorary doctorate, in fine arts, was the first honorary doctorate awarded by the university.

Early 1970s: Soloist Nola Frink and Robert Shaw with the ASO.

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A documentary project that will combine archival footage with interviews and narration to present a picture of the late, legendary Atlanta Symphony Orchestra director Robert Shaw’s life and career here and elsewhere is in the works. The film will deal with such questions as how he managed to achieve such stellar success without formal music education. -- Text by James L. Paulk for the AJC

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