The Belgian composer Frédéric Devreese died this morning at the age of 91. He was a versatile musician in various styles and genres. He is probably best known as a film composer.
He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels with Marcel Poot (composition) and René Defossez (conducting). In 1949 he won the composition prize at the Ostend International Piano Competition with his First Piano Concerto. He made a name for himself nationally and received scholarships to study in Rome (composition with Ildebrando Pizzetti and conducting with Previtali) and Vienna (conducting with Hans Swarowski at the Staatliche Musikakademie). Fréderic Devreese finished his studies in 1956 and returned to Belgium.
In 1958 he became a television presenter and later worked as a conductor and producer. As a conductor of various ensembles, including the Belgisch Jeugdorkest, and as head of special television productions, he has always devoted himself to young musicians. To stimulate and promote them, he launched initiatives such as Tenuto (Belgian national music competition for young talents under 25), Jong Tenuto (young talents under 17) and Procemus (centre for the promotion and production of young talent).
Fréderic Devreese’s compositions are very varied. In addition to four piano concertos, a violin concerto, a symphony and chamber music, he has also written two operas, ballet suites, songs and film music.
