Pulitzer Prize Biography Winner

The American Orchestra and Theodore Thomas

by Charles Edward Russell

Summary

Charles Edward Russell tells the story of Theodore Thomas, the conductor who built audiences for symphonic music across the United States and founded the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The book follows Thomas's tireless touring and his mission to bring classical music to a growing nation. It matters as a history of how the orchestra became a fixture of American cultural life.

Historical Context & Significance

Theodore Thomas founded the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and pioneered the touring orchestra in nineteenth century America.