Thanks to those who have submitted entries to the Guestbook page. We appreciate hearing from people who enjoy Leroy Anderson's music.
The Anderson Family
Dear Anderson Family,
I couldn't get enough of SLEIGH RIDE this Christmas, having been studying your website for some time, now; and playing my CDs. Every time I heard it and saw the name(s) on Serius XM Radio, I had to acknowledge it. I've just received some of the Christmas CDs, but I gave my family members Harry Connick, Jr's version. There were other versions on the radio, too.
Most importantly, I watched the West Point Christmas Musical Special on TV and the grand finale was, non-other than, Leroy Anderson's SLEIGH RIDE; with the orchestra music and a vocalist joining in with the lyrics.
Your dad is such an important part of our history and culture. You have done wonders to keep his legacy alive. I am sorry to hear of the passing of such a lovely lady, Mrs. Anderson. I'm sure they are together in Heaven.
Devoted . . .
Vicki Disch
St. Louis, Missouri
December 29, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to the Anderson family on the death of Eleanor Jane Anderson. I knew she had to be getting up there with the passing years, and she certainly was at 96...amazing. I am so glad she had the pleasure of reading all our messages of praise for Mr. Anderson's music, and to see his music continue on into the future. I will be thinking of her and the family next time I listen to Mr. Anderson's music, and since it is Christmas time right now, I will listen to his season album for that right now !
Warmest regards,
Steve Gregg
Hayward, California
December 18, 2014
Dear Anderson Family,
I am composer and professor PhD in musicology at the National University of Music Bucharest (Romania).
I am an admirer of the extraordinary composition art of Leroy Anderson - one of the most important American and World composers of all times!
His compositional genius has influenced the music creators and was admired by the music lovers worldwide.
His creations reflect a wonderful positive energy - and express the essence of American music! These creations have been also a model for my American symphonies.
I would like to organize in the near future a tribute to Leroy Anderson at the National Music University in Bucharest - where I am a teacher.
Leroy Anderson's ties with Romania are profound - because one of his teachers - George Enescu - were the most important Romanian musician.
Faithfully Yours,
Serban Nichifor
Composer
Bucharest, Romania
October 28, 2014
I remember my teacher, Miss Mary Stevens, teaching us "The Syncopated Clock" in second grade; that must have been in 1952. Now, I am presenting the song to teachers of young children at a Crucial Early Years Institute in 2014. There is so much history and educational value to this song and Anderson's other hits. I'm glad to reconnect with such wonderful, inspiring music; and to share it with others.
Vicki Disch
St. Louis, Missouri
October 3, 2014
Dear Anderson Family,
Elaine Stritch just died yesterday July 17th at 89, and in her honor and Leroy Anderson I am listening to the CD of "Goldilocks" right now. Every time I listen to it I am struck by the brilliance of the compositions, lyrics, orchestrations, musician's performances, and the obvious enthusiasm of all the actors and singers, it simply shines through ! One of the best recordings of a musical play I have ever heard ! RIP Elaine Stritch...great performance...left for the ages....
Best regards,
Richard Gregg
Hayward, California
July 18, 2014
Dear Anderson family,
How appropriate that 3 of Leroy Andersons masterpieces - Belle of the Ball, Arietta and Promenade were premiered on June 24th at Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, Boston - in a 2 guitar duo virtuosic format as part of the 2014 BostonGuitarfest. The theme for this year was "Americana", and he was in good stead with Lukas Foss, Copland, Gershwin and Franz Waxman!
Cheers
Gregg Nestor
June 29, 2014
Hello Anderson Family,
I have been a fan of Leroy Anderson since I first heard his compositions in the 1950's, I have all his recordings and many versions by other conductors and orchestras as well.
Best regards,
Steve Gregg
Hayward, California
June 1, 2014
The San Francisco Civic Symphony will perform Anderson's BLUE TANGO in the final concert of their 2013-2014 season on June 1, 2014 at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel Empire Ballroom. This community orchestra has performed free concerts for the San Francisco community since 1931. The instrumentation will include the 3 saxophones that are indicated on the score. This will be so much fun!
G. Mancho Gonzalez
Music Director and conductor,
San Francisco Civic Symphony
June 1, 2014
I grew up listening to Leroy Anderson music on albums my mother purchased. She always told me when his songs were played on television on various programs or as theme songs.
I sang in various coral groups in high school and one of the songs we sang was "Belle of the Ball". I always loved that song!
What a fabulous legacy! So glad my mom had the insight to introduce me to beautiful music growing up. My dad loved music and played in the band. And they both enjoyed dancing in the fabulous days of Glen Miller and Benny Goodman. Mom just thought that Leroy Anderson was rather special. So do I!
Thanks for wonderful memories and good listening in the future!
Sincerely,
Cyndy Hall
February 2, 2014