Smithsonian Institution The William Steinway Diary: 1861-1896
Steinway & Sons Records and Family Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Damrosch Opera Company
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The conductor Walter Damrosch founded the Damrosch Opera Company in the spring of 1894 to revive German opera in New York. It opened at the Metropolitan Opera House on February 25, 1895, and a successful season followed. After returning German opera to the attention of the American public, Damrosch disbanded the company in 1899. William Steinway supported the company financially. He and members of his family frequently attended performances.
The conductor Walter Damrosch founded the Damrosch Opera Company in the spring of 1894 to revive German opera in New York after a four-year absence.(5) William Steinway negotiated with Damrosch and his long- time rival at the Metropolitan Opera House, the conductor Anton Seidl, to prevent the formation of two opera companies.(Diary,1894-04-14; 04-19; 04-23; 04-25; 04-30; 05-01; 05-02) Once circumstances determined that Damrosch would lead the new company, Steinway further helped him by identifying potential donors,(Diary, 1894-05-02) writing letters of introduction to German performers and conductors,(Diary 1894-05-08; 03-10) giving interviews,(Diary, 1894-05-02) buying numerous subscriptions(2, p. 108) and individual tickets for friends,(Diary,1895-02-22; 03-02; 1896-01-22; 03-07) and attending performances.(Diary, 1895-03-01; 03-18; 1896-03-02)
The Damrosch Opera Company debuted at the Metropolitan Opera House on February 25, 1895 to large crowds for four weeks, presenting16 performances of Wagner operas,(3) making it the most successful opera season to date.(7) Following these performances they made a short tour of the Midwest and Northeast.(1) The following fall the season began with a 27-city tour, introducing thousands of people to German opera and culture.(4) With William’s support, Damrosch transformed opera in America. Having accomplished his goal of successfully returning German opera to the hearts and minds of the American public, Damrosch disbanded the company in 1899.(6)[smw]
Sources:
1. “The Damrosch Opera Tour,” The Musical Courier, March 27, 1895, p. 19.
2. Damrosch, Walter, My Musical Life, New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925.
3. “Notes of Music: The Wagner Opera,” The New York Times, March 3, 1895, p. 23.
4. “Season of German Opera,” The Chicago Daily Tribune, November 10, 1895, p. 43
5. “Wagner Opera Again,” The Boston Daily Globe, April 2, 1895, p. 1.
6. “Walter Damrosch to Retire,” The New York Times, April 9, 1898, p. 7.
7. “A Week’s Musical Topics,” The New York Times, February 24, 1895, p. 12.
Background:Damrosch/Seidl Rivalry at The Metropolitan 1884-1891
The Formation of the Opera Company: 1894
