A memorial service for Earl Wentz, creator of the American Composer Series, will be held in New York on Saturday, December 19th at 2:00 pm at JOHN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (44 John Street, NYC). The composer, performer, arranger, and noted teacher of vocal performance and technique passed away at his home in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 15, 2009, following an extended illness. Wentz had been the organist and choirmaster at John Street Methodist Church in New York since 1993. The Rev. Jason Radmacher of John St. Church will preside. The one-hour recording of Wentz’s 1989 Requiem, featuring full orchestra, 30-voice choir, and four prominent New York soloists will be played at the funeral service, which is open to the public.
In New York, Wentz created the American Composer Series, an ongoing performance series in the cabaret format, paying tribute to the greatest composers of popular American music on the American scene, particularly those composers associated with Tin Pan Alley and the American Songbook. From 2000 to 2009, the series presented 15 original musical revues, many returning for multiple performances over several seasons (see http://www.americomps.com/ ).
Also, Earl's Christmas CD is available at http://www.sixpenceinc.com/ChristmasCD.html
