A native of Vienna, Austria, Dr. Sorantin made his musical debut at the age of 11 playing the Violin Concerto by Beethoven. He established his reputation in Europe first as a concert violinist, then as a composer and conductor.

By the age of 20 Dr. Sorantin was conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra in Linz, Austria, and later the Vienna Symphony Orchestra; Wagnerian Opera Company, New York; Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Little Philharmonic Orchestra.

In the 1930s Dr Sorantin moved to San Antonio where he organized the Symphony Orchestra along with the San Antonio Civic Opera Company. In addition, he is also the founder of the San Antonio Chamber Music Society.

Dr. Sorantin was the founding director of the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra in 1948 and served as its musical director for the next twenty years. During this period of time the San Angelo Symphony grew in recognition and in membership. In 1959 he founded the Sorantin Award, to be later named the Hemphill-Wells Sorantin Award.

Dr. Sorantin earned a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Vienna and at Vanderbilt University. He has written noteworthy composition for orchestra and violin along with essays and the book, "The Problem of Musical Expression."

Dr. Sorantin retired in 1981 and now makes his home in San Antonio.