Will Quintrell

Australian musician (piano), music director, conductor, songwriter (b. Moonta, South Australia 1880 - d. Sydney 13 Aug., 1946) Will Quintrell’s father led a brass band in South Australia and later formed his eight children into a concert group. Will eventually studied music formerly and after a period in Broken Hill toured the East for Maurice Bandmann. After returning to Australia he became music director at the Tivoli Theatre, Adelaide (1911-), followed by Melbourne and Sydney. Led the Royal Squadron Syncopators on Tivoli circuit 1915-1926. He remained with the circuit until joining J.C. Williamson’s in the 1930s. By the end of the decade he was conducting Hoyts’ Regent Orchestras in Sydney and Brisbane. He also directed 2SM’s “Stage Door Canteen” programme. Quintrell was married to pantomime principal boy Esmee McLennan. Composed some pop songs in 1920s.