Franz Rieder, born in 1942 in Steinegg (Collepietra, South Tyrol/Italy), studied church music at the church music school in Brixen and completed an education as conductor in Innichen. In 1965 Rieder took over the direction of the wind ensemble of Jenesien (San Genesio, near Bolzano) and in 1968 he switched to the music band of Oberbozen (Soprabolzano), which he conducted until 1990. In 1966 he also succeeded his uncle Matthias Rieder as conductor in his hometown of Steinegg after the latter’s death. Franz Rieder is a music teacher at his own private music school in Bolzano. His compositional œuvre comprises mainly wind band music and sacred choral music. In 2012 he was awarded the Medal of Merit of the Region of Tyrol for his achievements.