Wetzler Symphony Orchestra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Wetzler Symphony Orchestra was founded in New York City by Frankfurt born conductor and composer Hermann Hans Wetzler (September 8, 1870-May 29, 1943).
Wetzler settled in New York City for a time, forming the symphony orchestra in 1903. Wetzler invited Richard Strauss to the city to conduct his orchestra in a “Strauss Festival” to include most of his symphonic works. Strauss and Wetzler conducted this orchestra in this concert series beginning on February 27, 1904 in the Carnegie Hall. This series included Strauss conducting the premiere of his Symphonia Domestica on March 21. Strauss also led the orchestra before crowds of 6,000 in performances on April 16 and 18, 1904 in Wanamaker's New York store. The orchestra was short-lived, for Wetzler returned to Germany in 1905.
[edit] References
- ”Herman Wetzler, Composer, 72, Dies” New York Times, May 30, 1943 page 26.
- ”Music in America”, The Musical Times, April 1, 1904 page 249.
- Tyler, Linda L. “Commerce and Poetry Hand in Hand: Music in American Department Stores, 1880-1930, page 80-81.