| Society Prospectus
The Miklós Rózsa Society
John Fitzpatrick
Frank DeWald, M. Gear, Alan Hamer, Mark Koldys, Mary Peatman
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About the Society
HISTORY: The MRS was founded in 1971 with the full consent and cooperation of Dr. Rózsa. The great majority of our members live in the U.S., Canada, and Britain, but we have corespondents in some 20 countries around the world. A number of major research libraries also receive our journal. Our most celebrated activities include several occasions on which members gathered with Dr. Rózsa himself for important events in his later career: the Tripartita premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington (1976); the Indiana University film conference and Toccata Capricciosa premiere (1977); the Hamilton/Toronto, concerts and lectures of the same year; the honorary doctorate and master class at Wooster College in Ohio (1979); and the Viola Concerto premiere in Pittsburgh (1984). The organization was less active in the years of Dr. Rózsa's declining health, but it has experienced a renewal since his death in July 1995.
PURPOSE: We seek to foster the appreciation, performance, and recording of the music of Miklós Rózsa and to serve as a forum of communication for all who share this interest. In accord with Dr. Rózsa's own wishes, we initially extended our concern to all serious music in films and to other music by "film composers." In recent years, however, with the rise of numerous other film music organizations, we have concentrated on Rózsa himself.
PRO MUSICA SANA (PMS): The Society's journal is both its principal activity and the chief benefit of membership. The title was Dr. Rózsa's own suggestion: he had once entertained the idea of founding a Musica Sana society to counter what he considered unhealthy trends in the international music world. PMS has published 63 full issues and two supplements to date. Originally a quarterly, it now appears on a semiannual basis. The early issues were quite brief; the most recent ones have consisted of up to 44 pages. Content has varied with the interests of the contributors and readers, exhibiting aspects of both a scholarly journal and a "fanzine." Contributions and letters are always welcome. Back issues are available for US$4 (discounts available for larger orders).
MRS BULLETIN: The electronic (e-mail) BULLETIN is a 1999 innovation designed to keep members abreast of current concerts and releases and to stimulate discussion for PMS. It is available free to anyone with an e-mail address.
RECORDINGS: The Society offers recordings of music and talks not commercially available. The emphasis is on the concert music (broadcasts, private tapes, and vintage recordings). The tapes are offered to members at a modest charge. As the service is a volunteer effort, it is not always prompt. Your patience is appreciated. A list of available tapes, together with ordering instructions, will be sent on receipt of your membership payment if specifically requested. Supplements offering new releases will then be enclosed with future issues of PMS. CD-R recordings are a 1998 innovation. Numbers and publicity are strictly limited for this nonprofit operation; the CDs are offered for only a brief period and then withdrawn.
MEMBERSHIP:Membership is maintained through subscription to Pro Musica Sana. North America: $12 for two issues $23 for four issues. Overseas: $15 for two issues $28 for four issues. U.S. Check or international money order should be payable to the Miklós Rózsa Society. In Europe, you may join through the U.K. representative: Alan J. Hamer, 37, Brunswick Park Gardens, New Southgate, London N11 1EJ, England. Please make checks payable to Mr. Hamer.
MIKLÓS RÓZSA SOCIETY WEB SITE: The Rózsa site, maintained by M. Gear, may be reached at http://www.miklosrozsa.org. The site's message board, the Rózsa Forum, has operated since September 1999. All are welcome to contribute.
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