Damrosch << DAM rosh >>, Leopold (1832-1885), a German-born conductor, was an influential figure in American music. In 1873, he founded the Oratorio Society of New York. He founded the New York Symphony Society in 1878 and was its conductor until his death. He introduced German opera at the Metropolitan Opera House during its second season in 1884 and 1885.
Damrosch was born in Posen, Prussia (now Poznan, Poland). From 1854 to 1858, he was a violinist in the Weimar court orchestra under conductor Franz Liszt. Damrosch came to the United States in 1871 to become conductor of the German Male Choral Society. Walter Damrosch, his son, also became a notable figure in American music.
