The Kurt Herbert Adler papers, 1921-1990, consist of primary and secondary source materials relating to Maestro Adler's musical career, chiefly as conductor for the San Francisco Opera. The collection contains a small amount of correspondence, programs, and notes documenting Adler's early work in Chicago and on the East Coast, prior to his appointment as Chorus Master of the San Francisco Opera. The bulk of the collection covers the years 1954 to 1987, and includes correspondence, notes, printed materials, annotated scores, clippings, and photographs, chiefly relating to Adler's years with the San Francisco Opera, and as a guest conductor locally, as well as throughout California, other states, and internationally. The papers also include materials relating to his professional activities, plus tributes, honors, and awards recognizing Maestro Adler's contributions to the City of San Francisco and the world of opera. There is a significant body of personal correspondence containing cards and letters from several opera stars with whom Adler regularly worked; notebooks, calendars and appointment books; clipping files; and a small amount of personal and family materials.

Kurt Herbert Adler was born to Ernst and Ida (Bauer) Adler on April 2, 1905 in Vienna, Austria. The son of a textile manufacturer, he attended preparatory schools in Vienna, and was educated at the Vienna Academy of Music (1922-1926), the Vienna Conservatory of Music, and the University of Vienna (1923-1927). Adler made his debut in 1925 as an orchestral conductor at the Vienna theaters managed by Max Reinhardt, noted European theatrical producer. He continued in that capacity until 1934, at the same time acting as a coach, accompanist, chorus director, and instructor. From 1934 to 1937, he conducted at opera houses in Germany, Italy, and Czechoslovakia. He conducted the Vienna Volksoper for two years, and also made appearances as leader of the Vienna Concert Orchestra. Adler assisted Arturo Toscanini at the 1936 and 1937 Salzburg Festivals, and during the summers served as an instructor at the Salzburg Mozarteum.

Number of containers: 17 cartons, 3 card file boxes, 12 volumes, 1 box, 9 oversize boxes, 1 oversize folder Linear feet: ca. 26

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 94270-6000. Consent is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must obtained from the copyright owner. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html. Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

Collection is open for research, with the following exceptions: some letters have been sealed until 2047.