November 18, 2004

Willis memorial is Nov. 21

A memorial service for Thomas C. Willis, a former School of Music faculty member, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 21) at Alice Millar Chapel. Rev. Edward Townley, senior minister at Unity Church in Chicago, will preside.

The service will be a musical celebration of Mr. Willis’ life.

Paul Berliner, professor of music studies, will present an mbira tribute. John Evans Professor of Music Performance Studies and pianist Ursula Oppens will perform “Erden-klavier” by Luciano Berio dedicated to Mr. Willis and the premiere of a work specially written by Augusta Read Thomas, professor of composition.

Alumnus L. Stanley Davis will give a gospel performance.

Mr. Willis, who had a long career as music and arts critic and arts editor at the Chicago Tribune, taught music history, managed Pick-Staiger Concert Hall and served as executive assistant to the former dean at the School of Music.

Mr. Willis died Sept. 23 at Manorcare nursing home in Wilmette.