Background
Benteler was born in Hamburg, Germany, to Franz and Maria (née Keimeyer) Benteler. Following his father, he emigrated to New Jersey at age 5.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Franz M. Benteler
Edit Profile
Education
He attended Lane Technical High School"s music program
Career
A favorite of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, Benteler was known as the Ambassador of Music for Chicago. He began taking violin lessons at age 8 and arrived in Chicago at age 9. Benteler earned a Master"s degree from the Chicago Conservatory of Music.
Although he was a violinist for a time at San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Benteler primarily was a professional musician in Chicago.
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 (now known as the Westin Michigan Avenue) for 20 years, from 1963 to 1983.
Benteler owned a 1701 Stradivarius violin. Benteler and his band performed for international dignitaries and five United States Presidents.
They also performed summertime concerts at Oak Brook Central Park.
He retired in 2007.
