| Flagler Ill, Quits the Philharmonic October 4, 1934 |
| He resigns as President of Society After Many Years of Work in Music Here. Marshall Field in Post Tribute Paid to Services of the Retiring Head by Mackay and Members of Board The resignation of Harry Harkness Flagler as president of the Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York was announced yesterday afternoon after a meeting of the Board of Directors at the offices of Clarence H. Mackay, chairman, at 67 Broad Street. Marshall Field was elected to succeed him. Mr. Flagler also resigned from his position as chairman of the pension fund and a member of the executive committee, but retained his membership on the Board of Directors, Edwin T. Rice was elected chairman of the pension fund. In announcing the acceptance of Mr. Flagler's resignation, the Board of Directors adopted a resolution which said that "the resignation of Mr. Flagler from the presidency of the Philharmonic-Symphony Society has been received by the board with a deep sense of the loss thereby sustained, not only by the society, but by all lovers of orchestral music throughout the nation." "For more than a quarter century Mr. Flagler has devoted his life and his fortune to the higher interests of the art of music and to the welfare of New York musicians," the resolution said. "As president for many years of the New York Symphony Society and afterward of the combined New York Symphony and Philharmonic Symphony organizations, Mr. Flagler has a record of modest and disinterested service unequalled in the musical annals of the city. Sacrificed Much Time. "At great personal sacrifice of his time, he became the leader of the recent drive which preserved and continued the life of our great orchestra, and the strain of this work no doubt contributed to the impairment of his health, which to our deep regret has compelled his retirement. "The board now records its appreciation of Mr. Flagler's long and distinguished service, and expresses the earnest wish that in the near future his health may be so fully restored that he may again be able to lead in the work to which so much of his life has been devoted." Mr. Flagler wrote to Mr. Mackay the reasons fro his decision in a letter on Sept. 24. It follows in part: "It is impossible to express the reluctance and disappointment with which I write you this letter, but circumstances make it necessary to do so. "You are aware of the two illnesses from which I have suffered during the past fifteen years, and from which I thought I had permanently recovered. It has just recently been brought home to me that this conclusion was premature, and that for the future in order to insure a reasonable state of health I must drastically curtail my activities, especially in New York, and lead a quieter life. The knowledge of this, carrying with it the necessity of severing my active relations with the Philharmonic-Symphony Society, has come to me as a distinct shock, for I had looked forward to being useful for some years to come in the orchestral life of our city, with which I have been connected for thirty years, and in which you and I have labored together with what I believe to be real success during the past six years. To Keep Only One Post. "Nothing but necessity would make me withdraw from active participation with you in the cause which we both have at heart, but for the reasons stated I am compelled to present my resignation as president of the Philharmonic-Symphony Society and as a member of its executive committee. I shall be glad to remain on the board of directors, if that is the wish of my fellow-members and you may be sure that my interest in the fortunes of our great orchestra will be no less keen because I can no longer take an active part in shaping its policy. "If at any time in the future my views would be of use I should be happy to consult with you and the new president. I must ask that my resignation be accepted at once, for I cannot enter upon another musical season in an official position which I am unable to fill." In reply Mr. Mackay wrote to Mr. Flagler on Sept. 26: "Your decision to withdraw from active participation in the affairs of the society is a distinct shock, for many reasons. In all sincerity I may say it will be a personal loss to me, on account of our original partnership in bring the two societies together and, especially, our successful efforts in developing a close alliance and cordial reciprocal relations between the members of the executive committee. "I am particularly sensible to your splendid loyalty and unselfish cooperation in the interests of the society during the past year when it became necessary to go before the public to appeal for funds, that this time-honored organization could carry on. "Of course your health is the all-important consideration and you must safeguard it to the fullest extent, not only for the sake of yourself and family but also for that of your many friends and admirers, among whom I feel honored in placing myself. "We are all happy to know that you will be willing to remain a member of the board of directors and it will be most helpful to be able to call upon you for advice and guidance when knotty problems come up. Rest assured that neither I nor, I am sure, any other members of the executive committee will impose upon your generosity or in any way burden you with the affairs of the society. I need hardly mention my indebtedness to you, my dear Mr. Flagler, by reason of your unfailing courtesy and splendid leadership and cooperation, or tell you of my real admiration for your outstanding and unique devotion for so many years to the cause of symphonic music for this great city." The Philharmonic-Symphony Society will begin its ninety-third season with a concert this evening at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Otto Kiemperer. New York Times 4 October 1934 |
| Harry Harkness Flagler |