A very special memorial tribute concert for the renowned and remarkable American composer Peter Schickele (1935-2024) took place on June 2nd at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. A very large and devoted audience shared an evening of performances of the composer's own compositions and those of P.D.Q. Bach by the extraordinary Schickele family and a roster of distinguished musicians. Karla Schickele, Peter Schickele's daughter, was the Executive Producer and curated the evening, which she co-hosted with WQXR's Elliott Forrest. Wonderful videos along with uplfting and touching photos of the composer's life and career were interspersed in the program.

The fantastic ensembles were Delicious Bass, The Silent Runners/New York Pick-up Ensemble (Special Ops Team) conducted by Lloyd Peterson, semi-conductor, Schickele Family Denim Revue, Penny Guitar, M Shanghai String Band, and the WQXR Singers.

It was a privilege to be included, playing the composer's heartfelt piano setting of Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, a hymn he cherished, and opening the concert with flutist Peter Arfsten with his Pastorale from Spring Serenade for flute and piano.

An evening of celebration and special memories of Peter Schickele--concluding with an archival recording of his 1980 "Charge to the Senior Class" for his alma mater Swarthmore which he set to music--will be remembered by all who attended for a very long time.