Dr. Sam Walter, my father, was a brilliant conductor, composer, and concert organist, who gave 52 concerts a year.He was also professor of organ at Rutgers University and the organist at Marsh Chapel, Boston University. He also taught at New England Conservatory and is a published author of choral music & a book on service playing. He encouraged, promoted, and performed my music from an early age.
Janet Wheeler, my mother, had a deep, rich soprano voice. She was a graduate of The Eastman School of Music and New England Conservatory. She studied with Olga Averino (Longy School of Music) & Jennie Tourel (Juilliard). She had a long career as a soloist, singing works of Bach, Mozart, Britten and Puccini and later, premiering and recording "Angstwagon" by Rolv Yttrehus. She was a professor at Bard College where she co-founded an innovative opera and acting department with theatrical director, William Driver. |