Annual American Composers Update

The 2001 Lutheran Teachers Conference, Nov. 18-20, 2001 in Palm Springs, CA, included the first performance of the commissioned hymn Cross Purposes.

Hollis Thoms's 2000 premieres at the Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, NY, included Sibling Rivalry, for oboe and French horn, with Sonja Thoms and Emily Halgrimson, Jan. 22; and Nonet, for strings, conducted by Sonja Thoms, Nov. 11. In 2000, works heard first at Salem Lutheran Church, in Glendale, CA, included Silence, a 40-minute song cycle based on 11 poems by the composer, with Treva Thoms, soprano; Jason Thoms, baritone; and Lisa Sylvester, piano, Aug. 20; and A Joyful Noise, commissioned to commemorate the church's 75th anniversary, for flute, brass, timpani, handbells, piano, organ, and children and adult choirs, Nov. 5. The Cantori Domino, led by Maurita Phillips-Thornburgh, introduced Et Homo Factus Est, for SATB choir, during its 2000-01 season.