Noted composer, songwriter, conductor, and pianist, this renowned artist pursued his musical education at the prestigious Brussels Conservatory, where he earned a Mus. D. degree, and later at the Royal Conservatory of Amsterdam, supported by scholarships. With a remarkable talent, he began performing as a concert pianist at the tender age of six, and shortly after, he served as an accompanist for the esteemed Royal Opera Company in Amsterdam, eventually assuming the conductorship in 1899.
As he ventured to the United States, he accompanied the celebrated Yvette Guilbert, and in 1906, he became a naturalized US citizen. His impressive career continued to unfold, as he took on the role of assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera in 1908, and later, he assumed the conductorship from 1914 to 1932, meticulously leading the Sunday Night concerts for eight consecutive years.
Subsequently, he held influential positions, including the headship of the opera department at the Curtis Institute for four years, followed by the music directorship at the Chicago Civic Opera and the Ravinia Park Opera for seven years. Additionally, he conducted the Philadelphia Orchestra's summer concerts for four years, and guest-conducted symphony orchestras across the United States.
In 1938, he relocated to Hollywood, where he conducted the iconic Hollywood Bowl for six seasons. His remarkable career came full circle when he joined the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1950.
