David Ahlstrom Collection
Finding aid created by Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library
2022
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Title: David Ahlstrom Collection
Dates: 1945-1993
Collection Number: 993.136
Creator/Collector:
Ahlstrom, David
Extent: 10 Boxes. 11 linear feet.
Repository:
Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library
San Francisco, California 94124
Abstract: David Ahlstrom (1927-1993) was a teacher of composition at Eastern Illinois University, Southern Methodist University, and
Northwestern University, a conductor of orchestras and operas at these and other universities, and a composer and writer of
operas. He lived in San Francisco where he worked as a composer, writer, music director, and conductor at BAYO and VOICES/SF.
This collection contains musical scores, recordings, photographs, programs and biographical information chronicling his life
as a composer.
Language of Material: English
Entire Collection is open for research.
Reproduction of these materials can occur only if the copying falls within the provisions of the doctrine of fair use. Copyright
varies by item.
[Identification of item]. David Ahlstrom Collection. Collection Number: 993.136. Museum of Performance and Design, Performing
Arts Library
David Ahlstrom’s collection was donated by his wife, Mrs. Doris Ahlstrom on Sept. 30, 1993.
Biography/Administrative History
David Ahlstrom (1927-1993) studied composition with Alan Hovhaness, Bernard Rogers, and Henry Cowell, and Asian philosophy
with Haridas Chaudhuri. He held a Ph.D. in composition from Eastman School of Music and he taught composition at Eastern Illinois
University, Southern Methodist University, and Northwestern University. He also served as conductor (orchestra, opera, and
New Music series concerts) at these and other universities. Ahlstrom’s opera “America, I Love, You,” on a libretto by e e
cummings, was one of seven contemporary American operas selected for presentation on OPERA America’s First Composer/Librettist
Showcase on January 6, 1981 in New Orleans. Ahlstrom lived in San Francisco where he worked as a composer and writer and as
Music Director/Conductor of BAYO and VOICES/SF, an ensemble specializing in showcase performances of new American operas and
works for musical theatre.
Scope and Content of Collection
The David Ahlstrom Collection contains musical scores, recordings, photographs, programs, and biographical information chronicling
his life as a composer. The compositions in the collection range from original scores in pencil and ink, to rolled graphic
scores, to the transparencies used for printing and publishing. The recordings are 8 inch reel to reel (with some 5 inch)
and standard tape cassettes. They vary from student recitals presenting his works, to lectures, to live professional performances
of his many operas and musicals. There are photographs of numerous colleagues and copies of all of his published and unpublished
writings. The collection also has programs from BAYO and VOICES/SF (1980’s), for which Ahlstrom was director/conductor.
Composers
Conductors (Music)
Cummings, E. E. (Edward Estlin), 1894-1962