Dr. Robert T. Anderson, who served for decades at SMU as Professor of Organ and Sacred Music, died Saturday in Honolulu, Hawaii after a long illness.

Anderson, a longtime Dallasite, was a huge influence on hundreds of students over the years; a Google search reveals countless organists touring as performers or working in churches and cathedrals across the globe who cite Anderson as one of their teachers and mentors.

Anderson chaired the building committees for the pipe organs at the Meyerson Symphony Center and SMU’s Caruth Auditorium, which were built by the venerable C. B. Fisk company and debuted to critical acclaim in 1992 and 1993, respectively.  He also served as jury chairman of the inaugural Dallas International Organ Competition in 1997.

The Dallas chapter of the American Guild of Organists named its recital series – which showcases organ performers from across the United States and the rest of the world – in honor of Dr. Anderson in recognition of his efforts to further public interest in organ performance.

Anderson, who retired in 2000 and moved to Hawaii, will be remembered in Dallas at a service to be held later this year.