Joseph-Marie-Alphonse-Nicolas Jongen, also known as Joseph Jongen, was born on December 14, 1873, in Liège, and was a Belgian composer, music educator, and organist. He began his musical training at the Liège Conservatoire aged seven. In 1894, he became an organist at the Collegiate Church of Saint-Jacques in Liège. He won the Belgian Prix de Rome for his cantata Comala in 1897 and traveled Europe from 1898 to 1902, studying with Vincent d’Indy. Notable works include Symphonie concertante, Op. 81 for organ and orchestra and Sonata eroica. He taught at institutions including the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and conducted Concerts populaires and Concerts spirituels. His final years were marked by personal tragedies. He moved to France, withdrew from public life, and passed away on July 12, 1953.
