It is my pleasure to recommend David Bennett Thomas, a highly gifted composer. He deserves every opportunity. He is very musical, prolific, hard working, motivated, intelligent. I have gotten to know his music throughout several years. He also keeps growing stylistically, technically. I have great confidence in his future.
Lukas Foss

The essence of Thomas' music, to me, is that it is heartfelt and deeply expressed. This is
important music.
Gregg Smith


In the fall of 1999, David Thomas asked me to conduct the rehearsals and recording session for his new work, "Chamber Cantata - To be a pilgrim," with very moving texts drawn from John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. After accepting, along with the score, David thoughtfully furnished me with a computer-generated tape of the work. Even with the sonic limitations of such tapes, I listened to this one a half-dozen times, steadily becoming convinced that I was listening to a work by a very talented and creative young composer/musician who was producing unique sound tableaus within a very personal style of composition.

David's writing contains a refreshingly new musical language, as was the case nearly a century ago with such 20th-century composers as Bartok and Stravinsky. David's is a style that, like these predecessors, uses germinal pitch, timbre, and rhythmic seeds in the opening of each of the movements. These are developed, expanded, modified and, where necessary, intensified, all resulting in a most accessible, musically rewarding, and enjoyable listening experience. One special feature of David's music should be underscored: his writing always contains a clear musical message that is maintained with unflagging logical continuity, first note to last. It is my pleasure, therefore, to urge conductors and performing musicians of all generations and backgrounds to audition one or more of David Bennett Thomas' recent works. The auditory experience will be new but somehow familiar. The emotions will be actively engaged. The inner satisfaction will be elevating.The inclination to return to the other world, our daily lives, will be slow to return. And for me, these are the hallmarks of true art.
Jacques Voois, DMA
Professor of Keyboard Music, Conducting, and Musician Health Studies
School of Music, West Chester University of Pennsylvania


Composer David Thomas is hungry for a differentiated aesthetic. And, to make it harder, he demands for his work both novelty and perfection. Originality is illusory. If we have it, it is doubtful that we would know it. And if others trumpeted it up for us on our behalf, it is doubtful that we would believe it. Few artisans take up such a particularly acute form of self-torment for their daily work; David is one, and his works show outstanding progress towards the kind of art we want to make. It is understood that he won't believe it, as it should be, of course.
Ron Thomas
Composer, pianist, educator


David Bennett Thomas is a gifted composer who is part of the new generation of American classical composers leading the way for music of the 21st century. In the manner of the great composers of the 20th century, Thomas ascends and contributes bold, innovative and beautiful musical statements revealing a well-crafted and creative composer. His chamber, choral and orchestral works are refreshing and display a wonderful array of expression. More commissions for Thomas, more concerts to hear his music, more contributions from this gifted composer - bring it on!
Jim Ridl
Pianist, composer

There is music in David Bennett Thomas, and what is remarkable is how earnestly it reaches out to us. Think about that: how often is music so affable, so desirous of our company? David's music has richness of harmony and a vigorous counterpoint, and is not without a sense of humor, but throughout it all is this ability to draw us in that is most attractive.
Kile Smith
Composer and Curator, Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music