Kurt Herbert Adler papers, 1921-1990,, bulk bulk 1954-1987

Summary

Creators:

Adler, Kurt Herbert

Abstract:

The Kurt Herbert Adler papers, 1921-1990, consist of primary and secondary source materials relating to Maestro Adler's musical career, chiefly as conductor for the San Francisco Opera. The collection contains a small amount of correspondence, programs, and notes documenting Adler's early work in Chicago and on the East Coast, prior to his appointment as Chorus Master of the San Francisco Opera. The bulk of the collection covers the years 1954 to 1987, and includes correspondence, notes, printed materials, annotated scores, clippings, and photographs, chiefly relating to Adler's years with the San Francisco Opera, and as a guest conductor locally, as well as throughout California, other states, and internationally. The papers also include materials relating to his professional activities, plus tributes, honors, and awards recognizing Maestro Adler's contributions to the City of San Francisco and the world of opera. There is a significant body of personal correspondence containing cards and letters from several opera stars with whom Adler regularly worked; notebooks, calendars and appointment books; clipping files; and a small amount of personal and family materials.

Extent:

Number of containers: 17 cartons, 3 card file boxes, 12 volumes, 1 box, 9 oversize boxes, 1 oversize folder Linear feet: ca. 26

Language:

Collection materials are in English, German, French and Italian

Background

Scope and content:

The Kurt Herbert Adler papers, 1921-1990, consist of primary and secondary source materials relating to Maestro Adler's musical career, chiefly as conductor for the San Francisco Opera. The collection contains a small amount of correspondence, programs, and notes documenting Adler's early work in Chicago and on the East Coast, prior to his appointment as Chorus Master of the San Francisco Opera.

The bulk of the collection covers the years 1954 to 1987, and includes correspondence, notes, printed materials, annotated scores, clippings, and photographs, chiefly relating to Adler's years as Artistic Director, and later as General Director, of the San Francisco Opera. Contains files relating to a number of subsidiary organizations and programs Adler organized in order to stage experimental works, perform in schools and other unconventional opera venues, and train young singers.

Maestro Adler often served as a guest conductor locally, as well as throughout California and other states, and internationally, and these events are well documented. He was active professionally, both as a speaker and teacher, and served on the board of several arts organizations. The collection includes tributes, honors, and awards recognizing Maestro Adler's contributions to the City of San Francisco and the world of opera.

There is a significant body of personal correspondence, containing cards and letters from several opera stars with whom he regularly worked, as well as cards and telegrams from fans. Notebooks, calendars and appointment books, clipping files, and a small amount of personal and family materials complete the collection.

Biographical / historical:

Kurt Herbert Adler was born to Ernst and Ida (Bauer) Adler on April 2, 1905 in Vienna, Austria. The son of a textile manufacturer, he attended preparatory schools in Vienna, and was educated at the Vienna Academy of Music (1922-1926), the Vienna Conservatory of Music, and the University of Vienna (1923-1927). Adler made his debut in 1925 as an orchestral conductor at the Vienna theaters managed by Max Reinhardt, noted European theatrical producer. He continued in that capacity until 1934, at the same time acting as a coach, accompanist, chorus director, and instructor. From 1934 to 1937, he conducted at opera houses in Germany, Italy, and Czechoslovakia. He conducted the Vienna Volksoper for two years, and also made appearances as leader of the Vienna Concert Orchestra. Adler assisted Arturo Toscanini at the 1936 and 1937 Salzburg Festivals, and during the summers served as an instructor at the Salzburg Mozarteum.

Adler emigrated to the U.S. in 1938, initially for an engagement at the Chicago Opera; he became a U.S. citizen in 1941. He remained as conductor of the Chicago Opera Company for four years, and also led summer symphony concerts. He served as guest conductor of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra in 1942, and during 1945 was a member of the New Opera Company, which performed in New York.

In 1943, Adler joined the staff of the San Francisco Opera, which was founded in 1923 by his predecessor, Gaetano Merola. Adler began as chorus master (1943-1944), at first commuting from New York, then served as chorus director from 1944 to 1947. He was appointed artistic director in 1953, and named general director in 1956. He organized subsidiary organizations in San Francisco to stage experimental works, to perform in schools and other unconventional opera venues, and to train young singers. More than 300 singers, conductors, directors, and designers made their American debuts with the San Francisco Opera under Mr. Adler's auspices. Adler also conducted the Young People's Concerts of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, and beginning in 1949, was a lecturer in music at the University of California, Berkeley, and guest conductor of their symphony orchestra, as well as serving as artistic advisor to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Adler's work has received citations from the governments of Italy, Germany, Austria, Russia, France, and England. In 1957, he received the Star of Solidarity from the Italian government "for distinguished service in promoting Italian music and art." In 1958, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music from the University of the Pacific in Stockton for "distinguished leadership in the advancement of music." Following his retirement on December 31, 1981, Adler was named general director emeritus, and continued to be a guest conductor in Europe, Asia, China and throughout North America. In addition to serving on the National Council of the Arts, Adler served on numerous other boards and professional organizations, and is the only lifelong trustee of the National Opera Institute.

Adler's 1940 marriage to Dianthe Warfel of Plainfield, Illinois produced two children, Kristin Dianthe and Ronald Huntington. They divorced in 1963, and he married Nancy Goodhue Miller of San Francisco in August 1965. They had two children, Sabrina Sif (b. 1980), and Curtis Roman (b. 1983). Kurt Herbert Adler died of a heart attack at his home in Ross, Calif., on February 9, 1988.

Acquisition information:

The Kurt Herbert Adler Papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Nancy M. Adler on May 16, 1989. Additions were made on July 5, 1989 and August 20, 1990.

Physical location:

Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.

Rules or conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Location of this collection:

UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library

University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library

Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US

Contact:

510-642-6481

bancref-library@berkeley.edu

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