Otto Luening

As published in the Foundation’s Report for 1929–30:

Luening, Otto:  Appointed for creative work in musical composition, abroad; tenure, twelve months from May 20, 1930.

Born June 15, 1900, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Education: The Munich Royal Academy and the Zürich Municipal Conservatory, M.A., 1919; studied composition and conducting with Philipp Jarnach and conducting with Dr. Colkmar Andreae.

Conducted choral societies, light opera company and symphony orchestra in Zürich, and played flute and percussion in Tonhalle orchestra and opera orchestra in Zürich; conducted American Grand Opera Company, Chicago, 1922; also choral societies and chamber music ensembles; executive Director, Opera Department, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York, 1925-28; Conductor, Rochester American Opera Company, 1925–28; Guest Conductor, American Opera Company, New York; member Board of Directors, Officer and Technical Committee of Pro Musica, New York.

Principal Compositions: Sonata for Violin and Piano, performed Zürich, 1918, Chicago, 1922, De Pauw University, 1930; Sextet, Wind and Stringed Instruments, performed in Chicago, 1922, Zürich, 1922; Sonatina for Flute and Piano, performed Chicago, 1923; String Quartet, performed Berlin, 1922, Chicago, 1922; Introitus and Choral Phantasy for Organ, performed Notre Dame University, 1922, Chicago, 1922; Trio for Piano, Violin and Violocello, performed Rochester,  New York, 1927; Symphonic Poem, performed by Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, 1925; Music for Maeterlinck’s “Sister Beatrice,” performed Rochester, New York, Rouben Mamoulian, producer; three Songs for Soprano and Orchestra, performed by Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, 1926; Serenade for Three Horns and String Orchestra, performed by Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, 1927; repeated same season; Ten Songs for Soprano, performed New York (Pro Musica), 1930.