Salzedo, Carlos

American harpist and composer of French birth.

From the description of Autograph letter signed, dated : [New York] Mar. 9 [1918], to Mr. H[arry] H[arkness] Flagler, 1918 Mar. 9. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270668697

Born in Arcachon on April 6th, 1885 and died in Waterville, ME on August 17th, 1961. American harpist and composer of French birth. He graduated from the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 16, an unprecedented winner of the premier prix in two instruments. In 1909 he moved to New York, where he was engaged as the first harpist of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra under Toscanini for four years. In 1913 he founded the Trio de Lutece and in 1917 the Salzedo Harp Ensemble; he also played in and helped to found and promote other ensembles worldwide. A champion of contemporary music, he assisted Varese in organizing the International Composers' Guild (1921) and was active in ISCM, the New Music Society of California (under the direction of Cowell), the Pan American Association of Composers and Pro-Musica. He established the harp department at the Curtis Institute of Music (1924), founded the Salzedo Harp Colony in Camden, Maine (1931), and taught at the Juilliard School. Other activities included serving as editor of the Eolian Review (later Eolus) and president of the American Harp Society. In 1931 Lyon & Healy (Chicago) began to produce the first Salzedo Model Harps.

From the description of Salzedo Collection. (New School University Library). WorldCat record id: 474999836

Robert Russell Bennett was an American composer, orchestrator and conductor.

From the guide to the Robert Russell Bennett papers, 1911-1981, (Music Library)

Carlos Salzedo (1885-1961) was a famous American harpist and composer.

Carlos Salzedo was born born April 6, 1885. He was the premier prix winner in two instruments at the Paris Conservatoire when graduating at the age of 16. He moved to New York in 1909 and became the first harpist of the Metropolitan Opera for four years under the direction of Toscanini. He established the Trio de Lutece in 1913 and the Salzedo Harp Ensemble in 1917. He helped Varese organize the International Composers' Guild in 1921. He was also active in ISCM, the Pan American Association of Composers, Pro-Musica, and the New Music Society of California under Cowell's direction. He taught at Juliard and organized the harp department in 1924 at the Curtis Institute of Music. He founded the Salzedo Harp Colony in 1931. He served as President of the American Harp Society and editor of the Eolian Review. He died August 17, 1961.

Dewey Owens (1925-2006) was a harpist and professor at Vassar College in Paughkeepsie, New York.

Dewey Owens was born May 3, 1925, in North Carolina. He first learned to play the violin and then taught himself the piano. He served as a chaplain's assistant in World War II for three years in the US Army. He studied the organ under Parvin Titus at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He worked as a copyist and assistant to American composer John Hausermann. While working in Europe, he debuted as a baritone vocalist with the Palma de Mallorca Symphony Orchestra. Carlos Salzedo referred Owens to be taught the Harp by Lucile Lawrence. Owens was greatly influenced by Carlos Salzedo's compositions and notations. For thirty years he taught at Vassar College in Paughkeepsie, New York. He wrote a biography on Carlos Salzedo. He died in 2006.

From the guide to the Dewey Owens collection on Carlos Salzedo, 1904-1984, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)