Milford chronicle., 1955-11-11

CELEBRATED COMPOSER -
What promises to be one of the
outstanding musical programs of
the 1855 season was announced to-
day by Anthony j. LOudis, chair
man Of the music department Of the
University Of Delaware.
Through the use Of a generous
gift by a private donor, the music
department has been able to Sc
cure the celebrated composer and
conductor, Virgil Thomson, for two
performances in Delaware on No
vember 80 and December 1. The
cooperation Of the Music Perform
ance Trust Fund of the Recording
Industries will make possible the
participation Of the Delaware Sym
phonetic under the direction of J.
/ Robert King in both performances
and the university's choral groups
Of over 180 voices will be augment
ed by the well known SeafOrd
Symphonic Choir under the direc-
ton of Miss Julia H. Wilson. The
university choral organizations will
be making their first major ap-
lpearance. since the arrival of a
new director, Dr. Ivan TTusler.
Mr.. Thomson, who until last
year was music critic for the New
York Herald Tribune, will be pres
ent for both performances, Novem-
Der 80 at the University of Della
ware, and December 1 at SeafOrd.
He comes to the university under
the visiting scholar program and
will make informal classroom
visits on November 26. in addition
to conducting several rehearsals.
During the performances he will
conduct several Of his own compo-
sitions and will provide commen-
taries on each of his works.
A highly regarded book entitled
"The State Of Music" by Mr. Thorn
son propelled him into a career as
one Of the cOuntry's leading music
critics. However, in response, to the
many invitations from leading or
lchestras here and abroad to appear
/ as guest conductor, presenting his
own works and those of his con-
tempOraries as we'll as the class
icists, Mr.. Thomson resigned his
critical post October 1, 1854. He has
since made several tours of Eu-
rope, appearing with many leading
lorchestras and. more recently, has
toured South America. In addition
TO his appearances as guest con-
ductOr, Mr.. Thomson has continued
his comments on the state of music
in his lectures, which have been
delivered in Spanish and French
almost as frequently as in English
Always a generous and enthusi-
astic exponent of the works of his
Il colleagues among contemporary
composers, he has been responsible
for wider understanding of all the
lmOderns, both through his writings
land lectures and through actual
performances. He also has been re-
sponsible for revivals of important
works which were in danger Oi
falling into neglect.
The SeafOrd concert is the frs
of a number of similar programs
planned by the Extension Division
Of the University of Delaware tC
extend the university's cultural ac
tivities to all parts of the State
According to Gordon G. GOdbey, di
rector Of extension, the university
will welcome all suggestions anC
requests for assistance from Othel
communities seeking to promOt,
worthwhile educational and cul
tural activities.
The Virgil Thomson appearance
are scheduled for Mitchell Hall Oh
the University of Delaware cam
pus. Wednesday, November 80. a
S:15 p. m. and in the SeafOrd Higl
School auditorium Thursday, De
cember 1, at 8:15 p. m.