Roberta Bitgood

Full biography Roberta Bitgood

Roberta Bitgood (Wiersma) was an American composer, organist, and choir director. She was born in New London, Connecticut on January 15, 1908, and passed away on April 15, 2007. She started her music education at age six, studying piano with her mother. She later studied under Arthur Poister at Syracuse University and Winslow Cheney at Yale University.

Bitgood became a prolific composer, with over 200 published works to her name, including choral works, hymns, organ pieces, and works for orchestra and instrumental ensemble. Her music has been performed in churches and concert halls throughout the United States, and she received numerous commissions from churches, organizations, and individuals.

She also served as a choir director for several churches, including the United Church on the Green in New Haven, Connecticut, and St. John's Episcopal Church in Stamford, Connecticut. From 1964 to 1966, she served as the national president of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and was the first woman to hold the position.

In addition to her composing and conducting, Bitgood was an accomplished organist and performed regularly throughout the United States and Europe. She was also a respected music educator and served on the faculties of several colleges and universities, including the University of Hartford and Western Connecticut State University.

Bitgood received many honors during her lifetime, including honorary doctorates from Syracuse University and Hood College. She was a member of the National Association of Composers and Conductors and was named a fellow of the AGO in 1994. Her legacy continues to be recognized through the Roberta Bitgood Scholarship Fund, which supports the education of young organists.