Frank Retzel

(1948 - December 19, 2018)
Member from 2006-2018

FRANK RETZEL had an accomplished career as a composer, conductor, performer, and educator. He began his musical studies at an early age and holds several degrees from Wayne State University and the University of Chicago, where he received his Ph.D. in 1978. Frank Retzel has received numerous awards, grants, and commissions for his work. They include a prize from the League of Composers/International Society for Contemporary Music, fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, Fulbright Commission, and Mellon Foundation. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1988. Frank Retzel’s compositions have been commissioned by numerous ensembles and solo artists, and have been performed to acclaim all over the world. In 1995, he was commissioned to compose the central opening and closing for the Mass with Pope John Paul II in New York City. Additionally, Frank Retzel has composed over 40 full-scale compositions for all media, many of which have been performed and recorded by major artists worldwide.

His compositions are highly original, with a wide range of expression that spans from the highly innovative and dramatic to lyrical simplicity and charm. Recent compositions include TAMARIND and NIGHT NEON: IMAGES for orchestra; song cycles DAUGHTER OF DAWN, SUMMER SONGS, REFLECTIONS, and DUETS; ensemble works BLUE-LINE STROPHES, PORTRAIT IN FANTASY, MOSAIC, and LYRIC SET; and LANDSCAPES for piano solo.

Dr. Retzel has taught on several university faculties. Presently, he is Professor of Music at Fordham University and St. John's University in New York, and Director of Music and Organist at the Church of Mary’s Nativity in Queens. He has published numerous articles and book reviews on a wide range of musical subjects.