Hirschmann, Ira Arthur, 1901-1989

Vice-president of Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's, diplomat, anti-Nazi crusader, pioneer in radio broadcasting, author.

From the description of Interview conducted by Ben Grauer, Dec. 2, 1978 [sound recording]. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155861699

An American patron of the arts and department store executive, Ira Hirschmann founded the concert series New Friends of Music in 1936. Having been instrumental in the first symphonic radio broadcast in 1924, he later founded the short-lived FM station WABF. In 1944 as Special Attaché of the State Department stationed in Ankara, Turkey, he helped to rescue Jewish refugees from Roumania. During the 1930's and 1940's he also helped establish many musicians fleeing Nazi Europe. His friends included Arturo Toscanini, Artur Schnabel, and Fiorello LaGuardia to whom he suggested founding the High School of Music and Art.

From the description of Papers, 1934-1956 (inclusive). (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122597076

New York business executive, educator, public servant.

Hirschmann served as Special Representative of the War Refugee Board attached to the United States Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, 1943-1944.

From the description of Papers, 1941-1944. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 155523321

Ira Arthur Hirschmann was born in 1901. An American patron of the arts and department store executive, Ira Hirschmann founded the concert series New Friends of Music in 1936. Having been instrumental in the first symphonic radio broadcast in 1924, he later founded the short-lived FM station WABF.

In 1944 as Special Attaché of the State Department stationed in Ankara, Turkey, he helped to rescue Jewish refugees from Romania. During the 1930s and 1940s he also helped establish many musicians fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe. His friends included Arturo Toscanini, Artur Schnabel, and Fiorello LaGuardia to whom he suggested founding the Hgh School of Music and Art.

Ira Hirschmann's autobiography was published in 1994 as Obligato: untold tales from a life with music .

From the guide to the Ira Arthur Hirschmann papers, 1934-1956 (inclusive, (The New York Public Library. Music Division.)