Rob Gardner: Mormon Composer
Rob Gardner is a composer, conductor, and producer.
Gardner was born in 1978 and grew up in Mesa, Arizona. His mother required him and his eight siblings to play an instrument from fifth grade through high school. He played the trumpet and in eighth grade, started singing. His seven-member a capella group, Two Five Nine, recorded five albums and toured the United States. After serving missions and attending Brigham Young University, the group recorded three more albums.
While on his mission in the France Bordeaux mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he wrote "He Is Jesus Christ" at the request of his mission president. While at BYU, he translated it into English and performed it numerous times at BYU and in Provo with volunteer orchestras and choirs. From this effort, he and others formed the nonprofit Spire Music Company. He primarily composes sacred music oratorios ("Joseph Smith the Prophet," "Lamb of God,"—both recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra—"Saints and Pioneers"), but has composed film scores and musicals ("Blackbeard," "The Price of Freedom," and "12 Princesses").
His albums include Cinematic Pop Live, We Must Sing, Lamb of God, The Missionary Hymn Project, The Price of Freedom, and Blackbeard. He helped found the group known as Cinematic Pop. The group appeared on television's "America’s Got Talent" and received a standing ovation.
Gardner earned his bachelor’s degree in management and entrepreneurship from BYU and did graduate work at the University of Southern California in the Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television program.
