Robert Morris Aitken, OC, born on August 28, 1939, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, is a distinguished Canadian composer and flautist. He began his musical career as a teenager, playing in various orchestras and notably became the youngest principal flautist in the history of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the age of 19 in 1958. In 1971, Aitken shifted his focus from ensemble performance to a solo career, achieving significant success as a soloist with major symphony orchestras across North America, Europe, and Asia. He has recorded over 40 commercial albums.

Aitken has been involved with several orchestras, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, CBC Symphony Orchestra, and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He co-directs New Music Concerts in Toronto and has collaborated with harpist Erica Goodman on classical and contemporary music projects for BIS Records. His flute studies included tutelage under renowned flautists such as Nicolas Fiore, Marcel Moyse, and Jean-Pierre Rampal.

Aitken has contributed significantly to music education, having served on the faculties of the University of Toronto, the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany, and the Banff Centre. His compositions, available through the Canadian Music Centre, include orchestral works like "Spectra" and "Shadows I: Nekuia," and chamber music such as "Kebyar" and "Icicle."

In recognition of his contributions to music, Aitken was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1993 and received the National Flute Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.