Loyola University's Longtime Faculty Member Philip Frohnmayer Dies; Funeral Scheduled

Loyola University New Orleans mourns the loss of Philip Frohnmayer, a longtime faculty member and artistic pillar of the music community. Frohnmayer passed away Friday, Sept. 27, surrounded by his wife and fellow Loyola voice professor, Ellen, family members and loved ones.

Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue in New Orleans. A reception will follow from 12 to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, located in the Communications/Music Complex on Loyola's main campus.

In lieu of flowers, Frohnmayer requested that gifts be made to the Frohnmayer Legacy Fund, which supports the vocal program at Loyola. Memorial gifts can be made online or mailed to development officer Anna Justice at 7214 St. Charles Avenue, Box 909, New Orleans, LA 70125.

Frohnmayer, the Mary Freeman Wisdom Distinguished Professor of Opera and chair of vocal studies, joined Loyola's faculty in 1982 following a successful singing career.

"I doubt if there has ever been a more popular and beloved professor in our college than Phil Frohnmayer. We will miss his genius and his wise counsel, and the world will miss his artistry and teaching," said Donald Boomgaarden, Ph.D., dean of the College of Music and Fine Arts. "I have never known anyone like him. He was unique and special beyond description."

In 1976, Frohnmayer won top prize in the Munich International Competition and began his European career singing leading roles in operas in Germany, Luxembourg and Holland. He performed extensively throughout the United States, as well as numerous locations in Europe and Latin America.

Often recognized for his illustrious career and ongoing contributions to the field of music, Frohnmayer received Loyola's Dux Academicus Award in 1996. In 2008, Frohnmayer and his wife received the Gambit Lifetime Achievement Award in music. Additional awards and honors include the Vanguard Award for a commitment to teaching in the African-American community of New Orleans and a lifetime achievement award from the William E. Schmidt Foundation.

In addition to teaching at Loyola, he also served on the voice faculties of Humboldt State University and the University of Utah. Locally, Frohnmayer was a regular soloist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and sang major roles in opera and oratorio under numerous esteemed conductors, including productions with the New Orleans Opera Association and the Mississippi Opera. His recordings appear on the CBS, Allegro, Albany and Centaur labels.