Sowerby, Leo (1895-1968)

US composer and pianist. He served as a bandmaster in Europe during World War I and in 1922 won the American Prix de Rome. He was organist of St James's Episcopal Cathedral in Chicago 1927-62.

He studied at the American Conservatory of Chicago, where he later taught. He appeared as a pianist in the USA, England, Italy, and Austria.

Works Choral and orchestral oratorio Christ Reborn, cantata Great is the Lord and Te Deum for mixed chorus and organ; five symphonies (1921, 1928, 1940, 1947, 1964), suite From the Northland, overture Comes Autumn Time, Irish Washerwoman, Money Musk, Set of Four, symphonic poem Prairie, Theme in Yellow for orchestra.

Orchestral and chamber sinfonietta for strings; rhapsody for chamber orchestra; Sinconata for jazz orchestra; two piano concertos (1912, 1932), organ concerto, two cello concertos (1917, 1934), violin concerto, ballad King Estmere for two pianos and orchestra, Medieval Poem for organ and orchestra; two string quartets (1924, 1935), wind quintet, serenade for string quartet; sonata and suite for violin and piano; symphony, sonata and suite for organ.

Other Florida Suite and other piano works; songs.