Elkan Naumburg

Elkan Naumburg
Born
Elkan Naumburg

1835
Treuchtlingen, Bavaria
Died1924 (age 89)
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Banker
Philanthropist
Musicologist]
ChildrenWalter Wehle Naumburg
George Washington Naumburg
FamilyWilliam Gabriel Tachau (nephew)
Elsie Margaret Binger Naumburg (daughter-in-law)

Elkan Naumburg (1835–1924) was a New York City merchant, banker, philanthropist and musicologist, best remembered for his sponsorship of the arts in Manhattan. From the last quarter of the nineteenth century, he used his wealth to promote public interest in symphonic and "semi-classical" music by helping to form and establish the Oratorio Society of New York and funding construction of the Naumburg Bandshell, which honors his name, on the Concert Ground of the Central Park Mall.[1]

  1. ^ The New York Times, February 19, 1989. See also Elkan Naumburg's obituary notice "Elkan Naumburg dies in 90th year" The New York Times, August 1, 1924, p.11. It discusses how he and Leopold Damrosch 'planned' the Oratorio Society, and his more general support for musicians and musical life in NYC at the time. It also discusses his gift of the Naumburg Bandshell to Central Park. See also “Eulogizes Naumburg: Mayor Hylan Says New York Has Lost a Philanthropic Citizen,” The New York Times, August 2, 1924, p.9 & “Mayor Hylan’s Speech Applauded by 30,000 at Concert in Elkan Naumburg’s Memory,” The New York Times, September 15, 1924, p.20)