Stokes, Eric

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Composer Eric Stokes (1930-1999)was born just outside of Philadelphia in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Stokes was involved in music from a young age and continued his studies at Lawrence College in Wisconsin, graduating in 1952. He attained his Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory in 1956 following two years in the Army. Several years later Stokes began his doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota. He ended up staying and teaching at the University of Minnesota for the next 29 years, retiring in 1988.

It was during Eric Stokes' time at the U of M that he was most prolific as a composer. Stokes composed more than eighty works including operas, chamber music, orchestral and choral works. His company, Horspfal Music Concern drew its name from the first opera he wrote, Horspfal. Stokes' music was eclectic in style, but frequently drew on nature and poetry for inspiration.

From the guide to the Eric Stokes Papers, 1957-2001, (University of Minnesota Libraries. Performing Arts Archives, Manuscripts Division [paa])

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Cummings, E. E. (Edward Estlin), 1894-1962. Papers, 1870-1969 Houghton Library
creatorOf Eric Stokes Papers, 1957-2001 University of Minnesota Libraries. Performing Arts Archives, Manuscripts Division
referencedIn Nicolas Slonimsky Collection, 1873-1997, (bulk 1920-1990) Library of Congress. Music Division
referencedIn William Baskerville Hamilton Papers, 1700-1975 David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Place Name Admin Code Country
Subject
Music
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1924-07-10

Death 1981-02-05

Britons

English

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