Franz Benteler


Franz M. Benteler was a German-born American virtuoso violinist from Chicago, Illinois. A favorite of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, Benteler was known as the "Ambassador of Music for Chicago".

Early life

Benteler was born in Hamburg, Germany, to Franz Xavier Benteler and Maria ''. He immigrated to the United States with his parents on September 5, 1930, at the age of 5. His family first lived in Newark, New Jersey. Benteler began taking violin lessons at age 8 and arrived in Chicago at age 9. He attended Lane Technical High School's music program. In 1943, Benteler began studying at the Chicago Conservatory of Music on a two-year scholarship. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the conservatory.

Career

For a year, beginning around 1946, Benteler had been first violinist for the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Then, in 1948, Benteler toured with Wayne King's Orchestra, covering 56 cities over 58 days. Benteler settled in Chicago as a professional musician. 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, the 16th floor restaurant at the Continental Plaza Hotel for 20 years, from 1963 to 1983.
Benteler and his band performed for international dignitaries and five US Presidents. They also performed summertime concerts at Oak Brook Central Park.
He retired in 2007.

Instruments

Benteler owned a 1701 Stradivarius violin. In 1997, he performed on a 1770 Maggini violin. Also, in the 1950s, he performed on a 1775 Balestrieri violin, valued in 1957 at $15,000 USD.

Personal life

Benteler was married three times. He had been married to his co-performer, Jan Norris , a vocalist, from about 1958 to sometime in the mid-1970s. His last wife was Maria , whom he married in 1984.
Benteler had six children: Eric Mark, Franz Brett, Adele Maria, Stefan Joseph, Christopher Franz, and Kristine Diane.
Franz Benteler died of a stroke in Arlington Heights, Illinois.