SPRINGFIELD — A former conductor and music director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra who lived for a time in Hampshire County died unexpectedly this week while conducting a tour in Moldova.

Robert Gutter, 79, died while traveling and teaching music during an annual tour in Eastern Europe.

“He lived, breathed, and sadly died doing what he loved,” said Frances K.G.L. MacAllister, Gutter’s daughter.

She said her father spent countless hours, days and months studying music and furthering his lessons. He had a commitment to be at the heart of his music, she said.

Gutter’s first instrument was the trombone, but his love grew and MacAllister said he was dedicated to all forms of music. He furthered his studies, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Yale University.

In 1970-71 season, Gutter “assumed the podium” of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. He lived in Springfield and Hadley for a number of years.

In 1983, after a decade in Springfield, Gutter resigned to become music director of the Philharmonia of Greensboro in North Carolina where he spent nearly three decades as music director.

Over the years, he has been a guest conductor in various countries.

MacAllister said her father loved the ability to command an orchestra to generate beautiful music and transform the mood of an audience.

Lynn Klock, principal saxophone of the Springfield Symphony and a former professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, remembers performing with Gutter.

“I’m very sorry to hear about his loss,” Klock said.

She said Gutter was very devoted to the music — he studied his scores, was well prepared, had high standards and had a lot of energy at rehearsals and concerts.

With a large amount of musicians on stage for an orchestra, Klock said the conductor is the “glue” that holds them together. It’s a very critical position, he said.

In 1996, Gutter founded the International Institute for Conductors, an annual summer program in Romania, Greece and Bulgaria.

MacAllister said her father was committed to helping other conductors learn and grow. “He lived to be traveling and conducting,” MacAllister said. “That was truly his life.”

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