Dr. Jack Fortner, music professor emeritus, composer and founder of the Orpheus chamber ensemble, died from cancer on June 25, in São Paulo, Brazil. He was 84 years old.

A memorial concert is expected to be announced after audience restrictions are lifted.

A prolific composer, teacher and conductor, Fortner said he often saw music as shapes, and his composition process often started as sketches or “blueprints.” Many of these musical pieces of art won awards and have been presented by orchestras around the world to which Fortner would often serve as a guest conductor. Fortner conducted orchestras and directed ensembles everywhere he lived throughout his career, including the Fresno-based chamber group Orpheus which he founded and directed for 40 years.

Fortner joined Fresno State in 1970 where he taught composition and music theory in the Department of Music. He conducted the Symphony Orchestra, directed the Electronic Music Studio and served as chair of the music department from 1990 until he retired from teaching in 2003.

Following his retirement from Fresno State, Fortner continued composing new music and began guest conducting in Latin America including Mexico, Paraguay, Buenos Aires and Brazil. In 2004, he was appointed conductor of Ensemble Música Nova in São Paulo, Brazil. Since then, he split his time between Orpheus in Fresno and Ensemble Música Nova in São Paulo.

He is survived by his wife, Christina; daughter, Lydia; and grandson, Solon.