Descriptive Summary
Preferred Citation
Biographical Note
Scope and Content
Descriptive Summary
Title: Philip Kahgan Collection
Collection number: 53-M
Creator: Kahgan,
Philip
Repository:
University of California, Los Angeles. Library.
Performing Arts Special Collections
Los Angeles, California 90095-1490
Abstract: The collection consists of program runs and single
issues representing individual performers, orchestras, theaters, and other
performing groups and institutions throughout the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.
Also included are autographed photographic portraits of major musical
performers, conductors, and groups, correspondence, clippings, contracts, and
other documents relating to Kahgan's career as a performer (viola) and music
contractor.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Philip Kahgan Collection, 53-M, Performing Arts
Special Collections , University of California, Los Angeles.
Biographical Note
Russian born Philip Kahgan emigrated to the United States in 1909 when he was
seventeen. He served as first chair violist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic
from 1921 through 1941 and frequenlty appeared as a soloist.
After leaving the Philharmonic, Kahgan became well known for his ability to
quickly gather symphonic ensembles for recordings, concerts or films. Many of
these groups performed at the Hollywood Bowl.
For nearly 50 years, he both performed in and assembled the orchestras for
many of Paramount Studio's pictures. He was also musical contractor for the
Glendale Symphony, the San Francisco and Passadena Opera companies and the Los
Angeles Master Chorale.
In 1945, Kahgan provided musicians for the Los Angeles County Musuem Sundy
chamber concert series. He worked at this until shortly before his death in
1986.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of program runs and single issues representing
individual performers, orchestras, theaters, and other performing groups and
institutions throughout the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Signed photographic
portraits of major musical performers, conductors, and groups. Correspondence,
clippings, contracts, and other documents relating to Kahgan's career as a
performer (viola) and music contractor.
The collection is organized into the following series:
- Series 1. Photographs
- Series 2. Clippings
- Series 3. Correspondence
- Series 4. Programs
- Series 5. Awards
- Series 6. Reports
- Series 7. Assorted Papers
- Series 8. Financial Papers
- Series 9. Scrapbooks
- Series 10. Written Music
- Series 11. Books