I just met who I consider the most brilliant modern choral composer of our generation, Eric Whitacre.

He’s speaking at Arkansas Governor’s School tomorrow, and my brother-in-law picked him up from the airport tonight. We had some drinks at the Flying Saucer and I was just in awe the entire time. It was better than meeting a movie star; I’m glad I brought my copy of “Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine” for him to sign (I’m such a nerd)!

Seriously, download that piece of music and you’ll know what I mean. My other favorite is “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening,” a now forbidden setting of Robert Frost’s poem (long story).

The best part is that he is the nicest guy ever, totally handsome, and down-to-earth. I can’t wait to see his latest work, an opera, Paradise Lost (which he tells me that is being reworked for *hopefully* broadway).

If I make it to conway tomorrow, I’ll post a picture.