
Dr. Mark P. Thomas is one of the founders of the Anthracite Philharmonic
where he serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. He is most recognized in
the Schuylkill County area as the music director and conductor of the
Schuylkill Choral Society, a position he has served in since 1986. Thomas
has been recognized in both the United States and Europe for his passion,
creativity, dedication, and leadership in the performing arts. The
Pottsville Republican has recognized Thomas as
“…a person who has made a
difference to our county” According to the
Prague Post …Thomas is a
passionate conductor who understands the intricacies and importance of both
a chorus and orchestra.
Thomas has been a guest artist and conductor for many organizations
including the Prague Radio Symphony, the New York Pops, the State Orchestra
of St. Petersburg, Russia, the Moscow Opera Company, and the Schuylkill
Symphony Orchestra. He has made multiple tours throughout Europe and North
America which has included performances at the Dvorak and Mozart Music
Festivals held throughout central Europe. Other performances have included
Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the Riverside Cathedral in New York,
Orchestra Hall in Chicago, the State Opera House and the Cathedral of Sts.
Mary and Paul in Prague, and the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Vienna. In 2013
he will be appearing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Thomas has
also served as a guest conductor with the Ocean Grove Choral Festival Choir
and orchestra and at Reading’s Musicfest. Dr. Thomas has appeared nationally
on PBS and NPR as well as local appearances on Comcast Tonight and Comcast
Newsmakers. He has also served as a music consultant for Maryland
Educational Television, adjunct professor of music at Penn State University,
and Supervisor of Music for the Upper Perkiomen School District.
Dr. Thomas is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, Who’s
Who in Education, and Who’s Who among American Teachers. He has received
recognition from former President William Clinton on behalf of a music
program he designed honoring our World War II veterans. He has also received
recognition from the United States House of Representatives, the
Pennsylvania House and Senate, the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners,
and the Austrian and German Governments. Thomas was named by Philadelphia
Magazine as “Best Music Director” in the Philadelphia region. He has also
been recognized by the St. David’s Society as a “Citizen of the Year”
recipient and was the first musician inducted into the Upper Perkiomen
Valley Academic Hall of Fame.