On October 23, 2003, Ned Rorem celebrated his 80th birthday, and in turn, the music world began celebrating his life's work and achievements. As a highly visible 20th century composer, Rorem has received the Pulitzer Award, Grammy Awards, a Fulbright Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award. His prolific output includes art songs, chamber music, symphonies, and volumes of prose. It is little wonder that this milestone birthday has been hailed by numerous premieres.

The festivities began at the composer's alma mater, the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, PA, with a two week festival beginning October 23 entitled "Roremania!" The opening program, which was attended by Rorem, included a presentation of Evidence of Things Not Seen, presented by the New York Festival of Song. Other special concerts included "America Honors Ned Rorem -- An 80th Birthday Gala" on October 27, at New York's Merkin Hall; a concert in honor of his birthday on October 28 performed by the St. Thomas Choir, also in New York City; and an "All Day Rorem Festival" on November 1 at West Chester (PA) University. In March 2004, Evelyn Glennie will introduce the world premiere of Rorem's The Mallet Concerto, with the Madison (WI) Symphony Orchestra, with repeat performances in April with the Eos Orchestra in New York, NY. More information may be found on Rorem's official website: www.nedrorem.com.