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The Composer: Meredith Wilson

Robert Reiniger Meredith Wilson (May 1902 - June 1984) was best known for writing the book, music, and lyrics for the hit musical The Music Man.  He wrote three other Broadway musicals, composed symphonies and popular songs, and his film scores were twice nominated for Academy Awards.

Wilson was born in Mason City, Iowa and attended Frank Damrosch's Institute of Musical Art (which later became Juliard School) in New York City.  A flute and piccolo player, Wilson was a member of John Philip Sousa's band (1921-1923), and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.  Wilson then moved to San Francisco to become the musical director for radio station KFRC and the NBC Radio Network.

Wilson in 1937

During World War II, he worked for the United States' Armed Forces Radio Service.  In 1942, Wilson had his own program on NBC.

Wilson's most famous work, The Music Man, premiered on Broadway in 1957 and was adapted twice for film (in 1962 and in 2003).  He referred to the show as "an Iowan's attempt to pay tribute to his home state."  His second musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown ran on Broadway for 532 performances from 1960 to 1962 and was made into a 1964 motion picture starring Debbie Reynolds.  His third Broadway musical was an adaptation of the film Miracle on 34th Street called Here's Love in 1963, which was later retitled Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical.

Pre-Show Christmas Concert Schedule

November 8: Donny King

November 9: Stan Stanley

November 10: Kathy Sneed

November 11: Doug Adkins

November 15: Zoey Angel

November 16: The Banta Family

November 17: Shelby Andal, Ricky Green

November 18: April Dupree