Wetzler Symphony Orchestra

The Wetzler Symphony Orchestra was founded in New York City by the Frankfurt born conductor and composer Hermann Hans Wetzler (September 8, 1870 – May 29, 1943).

Wetzler, who studied at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, 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", which would include most of his symphonic works. Strauss and Wetzler conducted this orchestra in this concert series beginning on 27 February 1904 in Carnegie Hall. This series included Strauss conducting the premiere of his Symphonia Domestica on March 21. Strauss required 15 rehearsals before he was satisfied with the orchestra's playing. On March 19, the orchestra broke down in the middle of Don Quixote.[1]

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, as Wetzler returned to Germany in 1905.

References
  1. Liner notes from the Turnabout recording of Strauss conducting Symphonia Domestica with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in 1944

Sources
  • ”Herman Wetzler, Composer, 72, Dies” The 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.
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