Frank van der Stucken (1858-1929) was born in Fredericksburg, Texas and received his musical training in Europe most notably studying with Franz Liszt. He conducted the American premiere of important European compositions such as Brahms Third Symphony and led concerts abroad featuring American composers, most notable was the Paris Exposition (1889) where MacDowell played his own D minor Piano Concerto. In 1895 van der Stucken became the first conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and later director of the May Festival. His compositions include orchestral and choral works and many songs.