Walter Damrosch (1862-1950)

He was born into a well-known operatic family in Germany. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1871. Under his father's tutelage, he became a well-known conductor and composer. He conducted the first performance of Rachmaninov's 3rd piano concerto with Rachmaninov himself as a soloist. Damrosch is best remembered as the long-time Director of the New York Symphony Orchestra and for conducting the world premiere performances of George Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F (1925) and An American in Paris (1928). He was also instrumental in the founding of Carnegie Hall. In 1890, he married Margaret, daughter of three-time Presidential hopeful James G. Blaine. They had four daughters. In 1946, their daughter, Gretchen, published her childhood memoirs of growing up with her parents entitled, From the Top of the Stairs.