RIN:070

If you were over a hundred years old,
what would be on your mind???

Bill Fantozzi -- 100 years young -- is the oldest living former member of the Chicago Symphony, who purchased his first Günther Reuter violin, Opus #131, in 1969, and has owned several violins made by Günther since then. NOW 101 years old, William Fantozzi purchased his latest one, saying that very few violins ever satisfied him regarding beauty of sound and playability, especially since having had the opportunity throughout his lifetime to play even the most expensive instruments.

Why wait a century for your Reuter Violin???

This article was published in Intermezzo publication of the Chicago Federation of Musicians local 10-208, A.F.M. (MAY-JUNE 1996) BILL FANTOZZI-100 YEARS YOUNG
We recently learned that our member Bill Fantozzi will celebrate his 100th Birthday on May 10, 1996. Bill has held a continuos membership in Local 10-208 for almost 80 years. He is now in "semi-retirement" with his lovely wife Veronica in San Diego. In the early days of his career, he played 1st violin with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. He soon moved to Chicago where he played with the Chicago Grand Opera, the Chicago Symphony and Ravinia Park Opera. In 1933 he played in the Old Heidelberg Century of Progress Orchestra. He tells us that back in those days work abounded for live musicians. He was violinist and concertmaster at the Central Park and Tivoli Theatres.
He was the radio leader of the Betty Crocker Orchestra. They worked five mornings a week on WGN. He had a trio that worked steady at the Elmhurst Country Club. He played "Tea Music" at Marshall Fields from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.-5 days a week. He played at Grant Park for 20 seasons. Bill remembers vividly when the "Talkie Movies" came in around 1930. "The bottom fell out of the music business." At the time, over 2800 musicians playing vaudeville and backing up silent movies, were put out of work. Things quickly improved though as he became the leader of an ensemble at the LaSalle Hotel and also led the WMAQ Radio Orchestra.
In 1994 the Chicago Symphony Orchestra awarded Bill with the "History of the Orchestra" plaque. They also gave him a "Gold Pin" for being the oldest living member of the Chicago Alumni. Bill also served the Union as a member of the examining Board and the Trial Board. Happy birthday BILL!!