Stock Photo - May 09, 1966 - Professor Werner Egk can celebrate his 65th birthday in a few days. He was born on May 17, 1901 in Auchsesheim in Augsburg and was conductor of the Berlin State Opera from 1936-1940. He was leader of the Student Association of Composers from 1941-1945 and director of the Music College of Berlin from 1950-1952. Egk, who combined Bavarian folk art with bold Modernism, counts among the leading German composers of modern times and has also made a name for himself outside the country. In 1959 Werner Egk was distinguished with the 'Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.' His most famous works are the operas: 'Die Zaubergeige', 'Peer Gynt', 'Columbus', 'Die Verlobung in San Domingo' as well as the ballets 'Abraxas' and 'Ein Sommertag.' Werner Egk(pictured here) is living in Lochham in Munich. (Credit Image: © Keystone Press Agency/Keystone USA via ZUMAPRESS.com)