It is with sadness that the New York Composers Circle passes along the news of TERRY WINTER OWENS death at the end of July. Her daughter, Maggie, will carry on Terry’s website and musical affairs. (See terrywinterowens.com) Terry was an original founding member of the NYCC; her music and presence graced many of our first concerts and salons. She will be missed.

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The website of the New York Composers Circle (www.nycomposerscircle.org) has been getting a touch-up over the summer. Members, now would be a good time to have a look at your bio and headshot and see if any updating is necessary! If so, please let me (RICHARD RUSSELL) know by emailing me at InTheLoop@nycomposerscircle.org. 

Stay tuned as we’ll be updating a few new items in the weeks ahead.Note especially that the Calendar section of the website does not yet reflect the full activites of the year year ahead. But we DO indeed have three of our four 2007-08 concerts posted, as well as our first two Sunday Salons of the season (September 9 and October 14). Thanks to GENE MCBRIDE for his early efforts in securing the Ellington Room for us! It’s time to get your calendars out and start marking some dates…

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RICHARD MCCANDLESS, a composer member and percussionist, plans to give a presentation at the September 9 salon on writing for percussion. Should be quite interesting to learn more about writing for this (sometimes) tricky but rewarding group of instruments!

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In case you missed JOHN EATON‘s opera, Pumped Fiction, at its recent premiere at Symphony Space Thalia, it is being repeated on September 6 at the same venue, at 8pm. 

Pumped Fiction, the first full-length comic opera (with serious overtones) by librettist Estela Eaton and her father, composer John Eaton, about the world’s leading inventor-maker of… Penis Pumps. The New York Times declared it a “considerable achievement”! The Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space, Broadway and W. 95 St. New York City, (1, 2, or 3 subway to 96th St. and Broadway, or C subway to 96th St. and Central Park West). Tickets $25; $20 for students, members, and seniors. For tickets, call (212) 864-5400, or go to www.symphonyspace.org. For further information, or to read reviews of previous operas by the creative pair or the libretto, go to www.pocketoperaplayers.org

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Speaking of operas, JENNIFER GRIFFITH wants us to know about  the application process for the American Opera Projects’ Composer & the Voice workshop series. Even if you live in another state, please do consider applying, as many of the participants not local. Jennifer took part in the workshops in 2003, and she reports they are very rewarding, both for writing for voice and as a professional networking opportunity. Be forewarned that there is a $40 application fee. For more info, head to http://www.operaprojects.org/composers_voice.htm

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That’s all the news for now as we look forward to our most exciting and rewarding season yet.