Robert Hunter, 72; Pianist, Accompanist for Chorales, Orchestra

Robert Hunter, 72, pianist and accompanist for the Roger Wagner Chorale, the Freddy Martin Orchestra, Carol Channing and the Paul Salamunovich choral groups, died Sept. 10 in Los Angeles.

Described by a Times reviewer as “an unfailingly elegant accompanist,” Hunter began his career with Wagner in 1946, and with time out for Army service, worked with the chorale for a decade.

In 1955, Hunter switched from classical music to popular tunes, performing with the Freddy Martin Orchestra at the Ambassador Hotel’s storied Cocoanut Grove. There he met Channing and served as her musical director from 1958 to 1971; he also worked with George Burns in those years.

Hunter later joined Salamunovich to tour with his choruses from Loyola Marymount University and become an organist with the conductor’s St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Choir. When Salamunovich became music director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale in 1991, Hunter followed. He remained with the chorale until his retirement in 1996.