Over Camil Van Hulse in The Diapason

Camil Van Hulse, Belgian-born composer, pianist and organist of Tucson, Ariz., is rapidly becoming known as one of the nation’s prominent composers. For the third time Mr. Van Hulse has won the Nora Seeley Nichols prize, with his cantata Jerusalem, the Fallen, for women’s chorus and baritone solo, with piano accompaniment. For over two decades, Mr. Van Hulse has conducted his studio in Tucson, teaching piano, organ and harmony, besides directing the choir at All Saint’s Church, which he has organized into one of the best in the state. Four years ago he became a member of the Society of Arizona Composers and shortly thereafter was elected vice-president. From there he moved up to the presidency and is now entering his third term. He is in his second term as dean of the Southern Arizona Chapter of the [American] Guild [of Organists].

"Camil", as his intimates know him, is tall and distinguished in appearance and has an affable nature and a rare talent for playing host to his friends. His studios are a popular gathering place for organists and choir directors, both local and national. Upon persuasion he recently entered four contest, each offering cash awards, and captured all first prizes. The fourth contest was of national character, that for the J. Fischer & Bro. prize under the auspices of the American Guild of Organists, which Mr. Van Hulse won with his Toccata for Grand Organ. In addition to the cash prize, the award includes publication of the winning number by J. Fischer. Two of the other 1946 prizes were awarded to him by the Society of Arizona Composers. One for the best instrumental composition in any form was captured by his Suite for Cello and Piano. The other was for a vocal number, and The Beatitudes, a choral work with piano and organ accompaniment, took first prize. It was presented in Tucson May 8 with a chorus composed of all church choirs in Tucson.

Mr. Van Hulse’s tryptych for piano and strings, Sonata da Chiesa, Al modo d’una Passacaglia and Mardi Gras, will be performed at Chautauqua next summer, with the composer at the piano.

N.N.: Camil Van Hulse, in: The Diapason, 1 december 1946, p. 3.