Peter Tiboris Wins Gli Award for Production Of The Year

New York, NY-The prestigous Italian dance magazine Danza e Danza has released it's annual Gli Awards, honoring the finest in ballet and dance. Teatro dell'Opera di Roma's production of Peer Gynt was honored as Production of the Year. Peer Gynt, which played at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma from November 7-11, 2007, was conducted by Peter Tiboris and choreographed by Renato Zanella. The production also marked the Rome conducting debut of Mr. Tiboris, who has been reengaged by the theater to conduct Adam's Le corsaire in May 2008.

John Rutter Celebrates his 93^rd Appearance with MidAmerica Productions

World renowned conductor and composer John Rutter returned to Carnegie Hall for his 93^rd appearance with MidAmerica Productions. On April 7th, 2008, Maestro Rutter lead the New England Symphonic Ensemble in Haydn's Missa in Angustiis ("Lord Nelson" Mass) and in two of his own works: Gloria, and the New York Premiere of Winchester Te Deum. Eighteen choruses specially selected from across the country joined him.

Mr. Rutter's first appearance with MidAmerica Productions came in April 24, 1988 conducting a concert of three of his own compositions: Gloria, Requiem, and Three American Folk Songs.

Elysium Records Releases Mascagni's Zanetto

Elysium Records, a subsidiary of MidAmerica Productions, has recently released a studio recording of Mascagni's Zanetto starring sopranos Jennifer Larmore and Eilana Lappalainen with Peter Tiboris conducting the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmony.

Zanetto received its first New York performance since 1902 this past June at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Mr. Tiboris. He also conducted the Greece premiere this past July as part of the Festival of the Aegean on the island of Syros.

Elysium Records is distributed world-wide by Qualiton Imports, Ltd.

Paul A. Torkelson Named Conductor-in-Residence

MidAmerica Productions is delighted to welcome Paul A Torkelson to the roster of conductors-in-residence.

Paul A. Torkelson, joins MidAmerica from Wartburg College, where he has led the school's choir since 1984 and Ritterchor since 2002. After earning a bachelor's degree from Wartburg, he received his master's from Kansas State University and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado. In addition to leading the seven tours of Europe, the Wartburg Choir toured both South Africa in 2005 and Prague in 2006 with Dr. Simon Estes, distinguished professor and artist in residence. Mr. Torkelson has been a frequent conductor for all-state choirs throughout the country, including the Iowa All-State Choir's 50th anniversary performance in 1996. He conducted concerts at Carnegie Hall in 1989 and 1993, and at the 2007 Heritage of Gold Festival in New York City held at Riverside Church. Mr. Torkelson also directs the Metropolitan Chorale and Chancel Choir at Zion Lutheran Church, both in Waterloo.

Mr. Torkelson joins Bradley Q. Cooper, Dennis J. Loy, Edgar Scruggs, and Gary L. Wilhelm as MidAmerica's conductors-in-residence.

MidAmerica Productions Begins its 24th Spring/Summer Season

On Sunday, April 6, 2008, MidAmerica Productions launches its 24th Spring/Summer Season at Carnegie Hall's Issac Stern Auditorium with an Ensemble Spotlight Series featuring select groups from across the country. Highlights of this season include acclaimed composer and conductor John Rutter in the New York Premiere of his Winchester Te Deum, Principal Conductor-in-Residence David Thye leading Morton Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, the 11th Annual National Wind Ensemble led by H. Robert Reynolds, and composer Mark Hayes conducitng a program of his own works, to name a few.

MidAmerica's Chamber Series at Weill Recital Hall will begin on April 13 with the latest installment of the Beethoven and Chopin Plus series by pianist Aglaia Koras. Such notable artists as the ARCO Chamber Orchestra, Vladimir Tsypin, and the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York are scheduled to appear.

MidAmerica Productions Announces Four New Conductors-In-Residence

MidAmerica Productions is delighted to welcome four new conductors-in-residence for the beginning of its 24^th season: Brad Cooper, Dennis Loy, Edgar Scruggs, and Gary Wilhelm.

Brad Cooper comes to New York City from Carmel, Indiana where, for the past 16 years, he has been the owner and president of Music In Motion, a production company specializing in pageantry events for marching bands across the country. In the competitive arena, many of his clients have won State and National awards while performing state-of-the art visual and musical designs from his pen. Mr. Cooper received his Bachelor's Degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and his Master's Degree from the Jordan College of Fine Arts at Butler University. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Music Education in Conducting from the University of Boston.

Dennis J. Loy is proud to return to MidAmerica Productions after having worked closely with Founder and General Director Peter Tiboris in the early and building years of the company. His distinguished music career features extensive work with young singers both in choral presentations as well as in music theory, music history, and music theatre. In his capacity as choral director in the Wisconsin area, he did extensive work in music theatre, directing such familiar works as Anything Goes, My Fair Lady, Oliver, and The King and I, to name a few. His first New York appearance was with MidAmerica Productions in 1989, conducting John Rutter's Requiem in Avery Fisher Hall. Mr. Loy moved from Wisconsin to New York in 1986 and initially joined MidAmerica Productions as it first Executive Director. He returns now as Conductor-In-Residence and actively participates in a numerous MidAmerica Productions presentations.

Prior to joining MidAmerica Productions, Edgar Scruggs held the position of Director of Choral Studies, first, at the University of Georgia and most recently, at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He received his degrees from the University of Tennessee (B.S. and M.M.), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.C.M.) and continues his Ph.D. studies at Florida State University. He has conducted All-State/Honor Choirs throughout North America and is in demand as a clinician and choral adjudicator. Mr. Scruggs has prepared choirs for such distinguished conductors as Robert Shaw, Sir David Willcocks, Paul Leddington Wright, Jonathan Willcocks, Donald Neuen and Andre Thomas. His choirs have been the guests of Music Education in China and have performed throughout England, Switzerland, and Germany. His ensembles have been featured in the half-time show of Super Bowl 2000 and in videos produced by CMT. In addition, Mr. Scruggs was Musical Director for Belmont University's "Christmas at Belmont," produced by PBS and nationally televised each holiday season since 2003. He has served on the board of the ACDA in Georgia and as Tennessee's Repertoire & Standards' Chair.

Gary L. Wilhelm joins MidAmerica Productions for his inaugural season after over 36 years as a music educator. He has taught music at the K12 and university levels, and has over 40 years of experience as a singer and conductor with church music ensembles. Mr. Wilhelm's choirs and ensembles have appeared at local and state conventions of both ACDA and MENC, and he has led his ensembles in numerous tours, including six to Europe and three across the United States. Over the past 18 years, Mr. Wilhelm's ensembles have appeared at Carnegie Hall six times with MidAmerica Productions, and he made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 1998 with his choir from Hinsdale Central High School (Hinsdale, IL) in a solo concert appearance. Mr. Wilhelm holds degrees from Wichita State University (BME) and Ft. Hays Kansas State University (MM Vocal Performance).

David Thye Named Principal Conductor-In-Residence

David Thye has been named Principal Conductor-In-Residence at MidAmerica Productions.

With over 30 years of leadership experience in music, Thye has conducted and managed numerous music and drama organizations, from elementary to high school, university to adults, and community to professional ensembles—encompassing such varied genres as jazz, symphonic works, musical theatre, opera and oratorio. At ease with conducting instrumentalists or vocalists, orchestras or choirs, he enjoys combining musical forces in performance.

Having received his B.A. degree in Music Education and Voice from the University of Sioux Falls, Thye began his teaching career as a public school choral director. By 1992, he had earned both the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. He has studied with such noted teachers as Eph Ehly, Weston Noble, Margaret Hillis, Don Moses, LeRoy Pogemiller, Gerald Kemner, Glenn Block, Ron Nelson, Rod Walker, Kerchal Armstrong, and many others. Dr. Thye has conducted, performed in, or produced over 100 oratorios, operas, or large-scale productions throughout his career.

Before coming to MidAmerica Productions, Dr. Thye was Founder of the Southwestern College Music Department in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and Music Department Chairman until 2005. Additionally, he was Professor of Music and Voice, and Director of Choral Activities at both the University of Montana in Missoula and the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota.

In addition to his work at MidAmerica Productions, Dr. Thye is the Robert L. Burton Chair of Graduate Conducting at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Chorus Master of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Thye will lead the New England Symphonic Ensemble on March 9, 2008 at 8:30 PM in John Rutter's Requiem. He will be joined by choruses from Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Texas.

Peter Tiboris Reengaged for Rome Opera.

Conductor Peter Tiboris has been reengaged with the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. He will conduct nine performances of the Adam ballet Le corsaire from May 20-28, 2008.

Mr. Tiboris’ Rome conducting debut came this past November at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in a production of Grieg’s Peer Gynt, which also was the theater premiere of the work.

MidAmerica Productions Presents The National Collegiate Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall.

MidAmerica Productions will host the National Collegiate Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall's Isaac Stern Auditorium on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 8:00PM.

The National Collegiate Wind Ensemble is an opportunity for premiere instrumentalists at the college level to participate in an intensive coaching and performance under the baton of acclaimed conductor H. Robert Reynolds. Performers from across North America have been selected through a rigorous audition process and invited to attend this esteemed event.

Peter Tiboris awarded Lifetime Achievement Award in Bari, Italy.

Conductor Peter Tiboris was awarded the "Note Nell' Olimpo," an international lifetime achievement award by the Eurorchestra da Camera di Bari (Italy) for contributions to culture and art on a world-wide basis. The award was presented on November 21, 2007, prior to a performance of Mozart's Requiem at Bari's St. Nicholas Basilica with Maestro Tiboris conducting.

This is the fourth installment of the award. Prior recipients are Felix Ayo, Alfonso Ghedin, and Alvio Diaz.