The American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers released the following on social media after news of the the passing of Stephen Sondheim broke this evening.
“Tonight we mourn the passing of legendary ASCAP lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim, whose words and music for such shows as “Sweeney Todd,” “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and “Into the Woods” and lyrics for “West Side Story” and “Gypsy” elevated the Broadway musical for more than 60 years. ASCAP President Paul Williams said, “The magnitude of Stephen Sondheim’s contribution to American musical theater is immeasurable and matched only by his immense generosity in influencing and mentoring new generations. We are forever grateful for his groundbreaking work, which truly evolved the art form of the Broadway musical, and for his support to the ASCAP Foundation to expand the possibilities for young people to experience the magic of the Broadway musical.”
“Every vital human endeavor is dominated by giants, Stephen Sondheim stands among them. His legacy of brilliant innovation and remarkable genius spans more than 6 decades from the lyrics of West Side Story to the outrageous creations of Sweeny Todd and Into the Woods. Sondheim is American Musical Theatre,” said Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre co-founder and artistic director John Sbordone.
