Canon Cyril Roberts (1902-1993) was a friend and mentor to hundreds of young Eastman musicians during his 21 years as the School’s chaplain. Born in Winchester, England, he entered the Collegiate Choir School of Manchester, England, at the age of 9. After studying at the Chancellor’s College in Lincoln, England, he was ordained a priest in 1929 by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Following appointments in several English parishes, Canon Roberts served for 12 years as chaplain to the British Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Also a pianist, he gave many recitals during his years in Baghdad as accompanist to violinist Sandu Albu, performing annually at King Faisal Hall. In 1965, he came to Rochester as precentor and choir director of Christ Church on East Avenue and became Eastman’s full-time chaplain in 1975. He was known for his warmth and humor, his openness to cultures and traditions other than his own, and his deep faith, all of which made him an exceptional friend and guide for Eastman students.
Eastman School of Music
