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Frédéric Devreese (June 2, 1929 – September 28, 2020) was a distinguished Belgian composer, conductor, and promoter of young musical talent, whose contributions to music and film have left a lasting legacy. Born in Amsterdam into a family of artists, his early exposure to music was shaped by his parents—his mother, a violinist, and his father, Godfried Devreese, a renowned composer and conductor. Frédéric began his musical education under his father’s guidance, studying harmony at the conservatory in Mechelen before advancing to the Brussels Conservatory. There, he studied composition with Marcel Poot and orchestral conducting with René Defossez.
Devreese’s career gained national recognition in 1949 when he won the composition prize at the international piano competition in Oostende with his Piano Concerto No. 1. This success propelled the concerto to become the competition’s compulsory work and earned him grants to further his studies abroad. He studied composition with Ildebrando Pizzetti and conducting with Fernando Previtali in Rome, followed by conducting with Hans Swarowski in Vienna, completing his formal education in 1956.
Upon returning to Belgium, Devreese joined the Belgian Radio and Television (BRT) in 1958, initially creating television programs before transitioning to roles as director and producer. This period included three formative years producing soundtracks, a prelude to his later success as a composer of film music. His contributions to the medium include celebrated scores for films such as La Partie d’Echecs, for which he won the Georges Delerue Award in 1994, and L’Oeuvre au Noir and Het Sacrement, which earned him Joseph Plateau Prizes in 1988 and 1990, respectively.
Beyond his compositional achievements, Devreese demonstrated a profound commitment to nurturing young talent. He founded and supported initiatives such as Tenuto (a national competition for musicians under 25), Jong Tenuto (for musicians under 17), and Procemus (a center for the promotion and production of young talent). He also served as the chief conductor of the Belgian Youth Orchestra and as director of the music academy in Overijse. His encouragement of emerging artists complemented his own artistic output, which garnered numerous awards, including the Prix Italia in 1963 for his opera Willem van Saefthinghe, commissioned by the BRT.
Frédéric Devreese’s career was marked by a seamless blending of his passions for composition, conducting, and education. His influence extended across classical and cinematic music, and his dedication to fostering the next generation of musicians ensured his enduring impact on the musical landscape. Devreese passed away on September 28, 2020, in Brussels, leaving behind a rich legacy celebrated by the international music community.
