Fontyn, Jacqueline (1930–)

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Fontyn, Jacqueline (1930–)

Belgian composer. Name variations: Jacqueline Schmitt-Fontyn. Born Dec 27, 1930, in Antwerp, Belgium; Royal Chapel of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, degree in composition; m. Camille Schmitt (composer and organist), 1961 (died 1976).

Award-winning composer, began taking piano lessons at 5 from Ignace Bolotine; studied musical theory and composition in Brussels under Marcel Quinet and continued musical education in Paris with Max Deutsch and in Vienna with Hans Swarowski; served as professor of musical theory at Antwerp Royal Conservatory (1963–70) and later professor of composition at Brussels Conservatory (until 1991); served as visiting professor at conservatories throughout Europe, US, New Zealand and Asia; received commissions from many prestigious sources, including Library of Congress in Washington; became a member of Royal Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium; title of Baroness granted by King of Belgium. Received Oscar Espla Prize in Alicante (1962), 1st Prize at Godak Composition Contest in Mannheim (1961, 1966), 1st Prize of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity in USA (1965), 1st Prize of Halifax Composition in Canada (1973), Prix Arthur Honeggar from Foundation de France.