Philharmonic Society of New York Board of Directors Meeting

Event Information

Venue(s):
Residence of George Templeton Strong

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
15 October 2025

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

24 Jun 1873, 4:00 PM

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Philharmonic Society of New York Board of Directors;  Carl Bergmann

Citations

1)
: Strong, George Templeton. New-York Historical Society. The Diaries of George Templeton Strong, 1863-1869: Musical Excerpts from the MSs, transcribed by Mary Simonson. ed. by Christopher Bruhn., 24 June 1873.

“The Philharmonicals met here at 4 p.m.—Rietzel, Bahn, Marzka, Reiff & Schaad—& sat long. The latent dissatisfaction with Carl Bergmann as conductor, symptoms of which I have noticed for some time, broke out at last. Sharp things were said, & we resolved that the presence of the conductor at meetings of the board & of the committee on music (i.e. programmes) was essential, & that a copy of this resolution be sent to Herr C[arl] B[ergmann]. He has become exceedingly lax in the execution of his duties. Similar laxity lost him the conductorship of the Brooklyn Philharmonic & of the Arion of this city, & they cost him nearly $2000.00 annual income.

Our directors seem to think the prospects for next season very bad—but I see no reason for thinking so. It is hinted that Carl Bergmann is too fond of lager & strong waters for his professional health, but of that I know nothing.”