Frank Valentine Van der Stucken

Life

Born: 1858

Died: 1929

Biography

Frank Valentine Van der Stucken was born in Fredericksburg, Texas, son of Belgian immigrants. The family returned to Belgium at the end of the Civil War where he began musical studies at age eight. By age 16, he composed two major works. He studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp and at Leipzig, studying under Carl Reinecke, Victor Langer, and Edvard Grieg. He was Kapellmeister of the Stadt Theater, Breslau, Germany, and, after being introduced to Liszt, presented concerts of his own compositions around Germany under Liszt’s patronage. He returned to the United States as leader of the Arion Society of New York City, taught at the National Conservatory, and was musical director for Temple Emanuel. He moved to Cincinnati to become the first conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, director and dean of the Cincinnati College of Music, and musical director of the Cincinnati May Festival. He was a champion of American composers and conducted the first European concert with an entirely American program at the 1889 World Exposition in Paris. He divided his time between the United States and Europe, conducting various organizations and events, especially male choruses. In later years he lived in Hanover, Germany, and he died in Hamburg. His compositions include orchestral works, a lyrical drama, piano works, choral music, and songs.

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