Friends of Music Collection Span: 1928-1950 Bulk: 1928-1930s English collection 3 ft. 7 boxes During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many "friends of music” organizations sprang up throughout Europe and the United States to sponsor public performances of music that was rarely performed in concert and opera halls. These were the forerunners of the modern performing arts organizations. In 1928 The Society of Friends of Music in the Library of Congress was formed in Washington, D.C., by Carl Engel (then chief of the Library's Music Division), Alice Roosevelt Longworth and others. This collection contains the programs and business papers of the Friends of Music relating to concerts (mostly chamber music) initially held in the Library's concert hall and the reading rooms as well as other Washington venues including art galleries and private residences. While this collection is spare, it is an excellent genealogy of this organization. Programs; correspondence; business papers; minutes; calendars; annual reports; financial records. No Papers of the Society of Friends of Music in the Library of Congress, Music Division, Library of Congress Friends of Music Collection Programs and papers of an early 20th-century performing arts organization. Researchers wishing to work with special collections are advised to inquire in advance about availability of material since many special collections are stored off-site. Chamber Music Engel, Carl Performing Arts Encyclopedia scdb Music Division, Library of Congress IHAS 110201 loc.natlib.scdb.200033610