Concert Honors Virgil Thomson

As composer Virgil Thomson '22 listened, a group of Harvard students and alumni performed selections of his works at a double celebration concert yesterday, commemorating both his 90th birthday and the 350th birthday of Harvard.

About 100 people gathered at Agassiz Theatre in Radcliffe Yard yesterday afternoon to hear the first of three concerts in Thomson's honor yesterday and today.

The event was part of a three day tribute of concerts and talks planned by the North House Music Society and the house's non-resident music tutor Rodney Lister. A pianist and former student of Thomson, Lister has been planning the performances since last spring with the help of a volunteer committee.

Thomson was selected as the focus of the celebration because "he is a unique character. It was the right thing to do," Lister said.

In musical circles, Thomson is recognized as a revolutionary modernist. Yesterday's program included such eclectic compositions as "Capital, Capitals," a four-part chanted vocalization of a Gertrude Stein dialogue with piano accompaniment, and "Sonata for Flute Alone," which was performed by Fenwick Smith, a well-known Boston flutist.

At 90, Thomson is still actively involved with music. Co-organizer Susan Zielinski, from the Office for the Arts, said, "It was very touching to watch Virgil Thomson attending rehearsals, with his face softening, saying things like `I couldn't be more grateful' after listening to students sing."

During the concert's intermission, Thomson said, "I feel good!"

The audience at yesterday afternoon's concert was primarily comprised of members from the Harvard music community. The event's performers were drawn from Harvard undergraduates, graduates, alumni and several local professionals.

Sponsors included the North House Music Society, the Office for the Arts at Harvard and Radcliffe, Learning from Performers, the College Committee for the 350th and the Harvard Music Department.

Today is the final day of the celebration. Thomson will give a lecture this afternoon in Paine Hall at 4 p.m., and more of his music will be performed at an evening concert tonight in the Agassiz Theatre at 8 p.m.