Van Witsen, Leo, 1912-2009

Leo Van Witsen (1912-2009) was a Dutch-American theatrical costume designer, specializing in costumes for opera. He was born in The Hague, Netherlands, to Jacques and Rose (Blok) Van Witsen, and attended the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague from 1929 to 1931 and the Academy de la Grande Chaumiere in Paris, France in 1932. After immigrating to the United States, Van Witsen served as the Staff Costume Designer at the Goldovsky Opera House (1945-1985), the Faculty Designer at the Juilliard School of Music (1947-1957, the Head of the Opera Department, Brooks V. Horn Costume Company (1958-1978), all in New York City, New York. He additionally served as the Faculty Designer at the Berkshire Music Center, Lennox, Massachusetts (1946-1962) and at the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1977-1984). Van Witsen published several editions of a multi-volume set of guidelines to opera ensemble design entitled "Costuming for Opera: Who Wears What and Why." He was a Member of United Scenic Artists. Van Witsen died on February 23, 2009, at the age of ninety-six.