We regret to announce that Melvin Dickinson, founder of the Louisville Bach Society, died this morning (Friday, January 31st) in his home of an apparent heart attack.
Dickinson earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees from the University of Kentucky. He traveled to Germany as a Fulbright Scholar, where he met his wife Margaret. Together they founded the LBS when they moved Louisville in 1964. He served as both conductor and chief administrator of the Society, and worked to encourage area youth to explore classical music by organizing special concerts for school groups and founding the Gerhard Herz Young Artists Competition in Vocal Performance. He was head of the organ department at the University of Louisville's School of Music as well as choir director at Calvary Episcopal Church. He was also the recipient of the Kentucky Governor's Awards in the Arts Artist Award.
A memorial service is planned for noon on Saturday, February 8th at Calvary Episcopal Church.
(Photo of Mr. Dickinson credited to Calvary Episcopal Church)