Franz Benteler

Franz M. Benteler (1 June 1925 – 12 March 2010)[1] was a classical violinist from Chicago, Illinois. A favorite of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley,[2] Benteler was known as the Ambassador of Music for Chicago.[3]

Early life

Benteler was born in Hamburg, Germany,[3] to Franz and Maria (née Keimeyer) Benteler.[1] Following his father, he emigrated to New Jersey at age 5.[3] He began taking violin lessons at age 8 and arrived in Chicago at age 9.[3] He attended Lane Technical High School's music program. Benteler earned a Master's degree from the Chicago Conservatory of Music.

Career

Although he was a violinist for a time at San Antonio Symphony Orchestra,[3] Benteler primarily was a professional musician in Chicago. He played at the Blackstone Hotel and the Old Heidelberg Restaurant in Chicago's Loop.

With his group The Royal Strings Orchestra, Benteler was known for playing at the Consort Room,[4] the 16th floor restaurant at the Continental Plaza Hotel (now known as the Westin Michigan Avenue) for 20 years, from 1963 to 1983.[2] Benteler owned a 1701 Stradivarius violin.[4]

Benteler and his band performed for international dignitaries and five US Presidents.[1] They also performed summertime concerts at Oak Brook Central Park.[5]

He retired in 2007.[1][3]

Personal life

Benteler was married three times. His last wife was Maria (née Arreola), whom he married in 1984.[1] Benteler had six children: Eric M. (who preceded his father in death), (Franz) Brett, Adele Maria, Stefan Joseph, Christopher Franz, and Kristine Diane.[1]

Franz Benteler died of a stroke in Arlington Heights, Illinois.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Franz M. Benteler". Daily Herald. Chicago Suburban: Legacy.com. 15 March 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  2. 1 2 Kubian, Susan (22 September 1991). "A Musical Institution: Franz Benteler Tickles The Melodious Strings Of Chicagoland`s Heart". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jensen, Trevor (15 March 2010). "Franz Benteler, 1925-2010: 'Ambassador of Music for Chicago'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  4. 1 2 Kupcinet, Sue; Fish, Connie (15 January 1978), "The Consort", Chicago Gourmet, Simon and Schuster, p. 72, retrieved 30 May 2014
  5. ↑ Free Summer Concert Series, Oak Brook Park District


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