In Memoriam: Elmer Thomas

Elmer Thomas, who built one of the leading choral programs in the United States, was a director of choruses for the Cincinnati May Festival and founded the Vocal Arts Ensemble, died on Wednesday at age 81. He was a resident of Loveland. From 1966 to 1995, Dr. Thomas conducted and taught at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where he established the choral program and an extensive graduate program for conductors.

As Director of Choruses for the Cincinnati May Festival, Dr. Thomas worked with many of the world’s leading conductors (Bernstein, Shaw, Levine, Conlon, Rudolf, Gielen, Rudel, Schippers, Nelson). He was Founder and Music Director of The Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati and was Director of Music at Armstrong Chapel United Methodist Church.

Dr. Thomas was an avid fly fisherman and golfer. A private family service will be held on Saturday St. Thomas Episcopal Church. A Memorial Celebration of the Life of Elmer Thomas will be be held at the University of Cincinnati’s College- Conservatory of Music, Sunday, September 30, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Traditional Music Program at Armstrong Chapel, 5125 Drake Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243.