It is questionable if there is a better method of giving intellectual
pleasure to a large number of people than by teaching them concerted
singing. More than that, music is admittedly one of the most powerful
factors in the bringing into being those finer qualities which are
identified with the higher civilizations. It follows, then, that
the man who devotes his life to cultivating a love of music among
the masses is a public benefactor. Such an individual is Walter J.
Damrosch, who is both well known and popular in this country in
connection with his work on the lines alluded to. Mr. Damrosch was
born at Breslau, Prussia, January 30, 1862. His father was Dr. Leopold
Damrosch, his reputation as a conductor being of an international
nature, led to his coming to this country in 1871 to become director of
the Oratorio society and Symphony society of New York. In the meantime
Walter had received a thorough musical training under his father, and,
when the latter died, in 1885, he succeeded to the directorship of the
organizations named. Since that period his continuous and conscientious
work for the popularizing of vocal music has borne fruit not only in
New York, but in many other cities of the United States. Mr. Damrosch
was also the director of German opera at the Metropolitan Opera House
and added to his reputation in connection therewith. Mr. Walter J.
Damrosch is married to Margaret, daughter of the late James G. Blaine.