The year 2024 marks 100 years since the birth of organist, composer, liturgist and countertenor Peter R. Hallock (November 19, 1924-April 27, 2014). Even though Peter’s 100th birthday is not until November, the celebrations will take place all year, beginning with a pair of concerts this coming weekend. I will be leaving Thursday night for three jam-packed days in Seattle!

Peter was also our business partner in Ionian Arts, a music publishing company. It’s only now that I’ve looked at the Wikipedia article on Peter and I was pleasantly surprised to see Carl Crosier’s name there:

Peter Rasmussen Hallock (November 19, 1924, Kent, Washington – April 27, 2014, Fall City, Washington) was an American organist, choirmaster, liturgist, countertenor, and composer and arranger of church music (anthems, hymns, psalm settings, and music for the Episcopal liturgy). Though he occasionally gave concerts, lectures, and seminars around the United States, his career was centered in Seattle, Washington. From 1951 to 1991 he served as organist and choirmaster at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, during which he was conferred the title of Canon Precentor, the first layperson in the Episcopal Church (United States) to be so honored.^[1] Later, he served as organist at St. Clements (Seattle) until 2013. He also founded the Compline Choir from its predecessor chant study group in 1956; he led the choir until 2009. He never married.

After WWII, when he was discharged from the Army,^[2] Hallock pursued organ studies at the University of Washington, and also studied at the Royal School of Church Music. In 1986, with Carl Crosier, he founded Ionian Arts, a music publishing business.

(Haha! The article doesn’t mention my name even though I was named President of Ionian Arts from Day 1, because “I was the only practical one in the bunch!”)

Here’s the description of the events as found on the Hallock Institute Facebook page:

In 2024, we commemorate the centenary of Peter Hallock’s birth with a bicoastal celebration honoring the beloved musician, composer, and liturgist at festival concerts this weekend. Structured as a triptych, each set reflects on Hallock’s multifaceted talents: as a champion of early music, a composer, and a countertenor performer. Among his numerous contributions to church music traditions are popularizing the countertenor voice, founding the Compline Choir, and introducing innovative elements to cathedral liturgies. Hallock’s legacy extends through his pioneering performances as a countertenor, his impactful work as an organist, and his innovative compositions, including his renowned adaptation of Handel’s Messiah.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of choral music with ‘Hallock at 100’ at St. Mark’s Cathedral! Experience the timeless beauty of Peter Hallock’s compositions on Feb 24 at 7:30 pm and Feb 25 at 3 pm. Don’t miss this tribute to a legend of choral music!

In addition to seeing many friends in the Seattle Compline Choir whom I’ve come to know over the years, including the director, Jason Anderson, I’m also excited to meet up with Scott Fikse, former Director of Music and Liturgy at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Scott is now pursuing graduate studies at the University of Washington in choral conducting and is a member of the Seattle Compline Choir.

Here are some of the photos I have of Peter with the Crosiers.