Edgar Stillman Kelley
1857–1944 (age 87)
Composer
Biography
Edgar Stillman Kelley, born in 1857, drew inspiration from Native American melodies and European romanticism to craft a distinctly American voice in orchestral and vocal music. As a composer and conductor he championed dramatic tone poems and choral works that celebrated the nation's stories while inviting audiences into richly textured sonic worlds.
Beyond composition, Kelley shared his craft as an educator, mentoring students and leading ensembles in cities across the country, leaving them with an appreciation for expressive music-making. His passion for the arts endured to the end, and his communion with fellow musicians is remembered by those who gather at Oxford Cemetery.