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HENRY MANCINI (1924-1994) was memorialized by the United States Postal Service
in 2004 when they issued a postage stamp to honor the achievements of this great
American composer and arranger of many popular and beloved movie and television
scores. Note the Pink Panther in the lower left corner of the stamp.
* * * *
When Oscar-winning music man Henry Mancini blew into Kalamazoo in July, 1964,
the Kalamazoo Symphony Starlight audience was treated to an evening of the suave
and stylish movie and television scores that had that magic touch of Henry Mancini.
The mere mention of Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, Pink Panther, and Peter
Gunn evoke memories of a kind of '60s cool that appealed to music lovers of all ages.
Mancini was both conductor and solo pianist for that memorable evening under the
stars. A record-setting 4,500 people were in attendance atop Gilmore's Auto Park
in downtown Kalamazoo.
After the concert, KSO Conductor Gregory Millar and his wife Roslyn threw a post-
concert reception for Mr. Mancini at their rambling Victorian house on Wheaton
Avenue.
There was a crush of people there to party with the guest artist, a modest and
unassuming man who cut a fine figure in his '60s-era suit and skinny tie. "I like your
outfit Mr. Mancini!" blurted one of Alice's teenaged daughters, much to the surprise
and delight of the man himself. Later that evening, Alice shared the piano bench with
Mancini for an impromptu jam session. "Neat guy!", exclaimed Alice.
COMING SOON... Watch for an upcoming article on Henry Mancini and his appearance
with the Kalamazoo Symphony on the main blog, ALICE'S ARCHIVES: 50 Years of
Kalamazoo Symphony Memorabilia, Title Tab: 1960s/MILLAR/ Starlight Concerts:
Bright Idea! www.alicesarchives.blogspot.com
In the meantime... visit the Henry Mancini website-- very cool. www.henrymancini.com
