1992 Concert at
The Tatnall School

In 1992, thanks to Linda K. Prickett and Bruce A. Beardwood, a preview of Mass for the Homeless by Joan Walworth Somers and Wilson Gault Somers was held on March 8 at Tatnall School’s Laird Auditorium, Greenville, DE. The event featured 60 singers, including Tatnall students, and a 30-piece professional orchestra led by the composer. Linda Prickett arranged orchestra funding, while Beardwood, the first president of Mass for the Homeless, Inc., led the new Board. Teleduction, Inc., under Sharon Kelly Baker, produced video recordings. Two selections, “Sanctus” and “The Commission,” featured soprano Madeline Bolden Johnson and cellist Doug McNames. This preview led to the successful sold-out premiere in 1997 and an encore with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra in 1999. The Somers thank Dr. Eric Ruoss, Tatnall Headmaster, and J. Cameron Yorkston, Assistant Headmaster and Director of Development, for their support.