W. Francis McBeth ***

Premieres

SAI National Arts Associate W. Francis McBeth's The Coventry: Three Scenes from Bret Harte was commissioned by the Allentown Pennsylvania Band for their 175th anniversary. It was premiered in Allentown, PA, in May 2003, with the composer conducting. The Allentown Band is the oldest non-military band in the United States.

Performances

Several works were heard at the Contemporary Music Festival, Concordia University, Seward, NE, including Scherzo for piano; Tenebrae for choir; and Daniel in the Lion's Den, The Dream Catcher, and Flourishes for concert band, conducted by the composer. The composer also conducted recent performances of This Land of El Dorado, When Honor Whispers and Shouts, and Lauds and Tropes at the American Band College, Ashland, OR. The works Through Countless Halls of Air and The Lions of North Bridge were heard at Elmhurst (IL) College, as conducted by the composer. The Irving (TX) Community Symphonic Band presented The Coventry and Through Countless Halls of Air in performances conducted by the composer.

Publications

The Coventry: Three Scenes from Bret Hart; Southern Music Company.

Recordings

McBeth Conducts McBeth, volumes 1, 2, and 3; Southern Music Company.

*** Sigma Alpha Iota National Arts Associate

Further Information

• 2001-2002 American Composers Update
• 1999-2000 American Composers Update
• 1998-1999 American Composers Update
• 1997-1998 American Composers Update
• 1996-1997 American Composers Update
• SAI's Composers Bureau Online
• SAI's Music for Young People section