Heinrich Conried facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Heinrich Conried
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| General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera | |
| In office 1903–1908 |
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| Preceded by | Maurice Grau |
| Succeeded by | Giulio Gatti-Casazza |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 3, 1855 Bielitz, Austrian Silesia |
| Died | April 27, 1909 (aged 53) Merano, Italy |
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Heinrich Conried (born September 3, 1855 – died April 27, 1909) was an Austrian and later American theater manager and director. He began his career as an actor in Vienna. In 1876, he became a theater director in Bremen, Germany.
In 1878, Conried moved to New York City. He stayed there for the rest of his life. He directed several theaters, including the Germania Theatre (1878-1881) and the Irving Place Theatre (1883-1903). In 1903, he became the director of the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He held this important job until he retired in 1908.
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Early Life and Career
Heinrich Conried was born on September 3, 1855. His hometown was Bielitz, in what was then Austrian Silesia (now Poland). His father worked as a weaver. Heinrich went to school in Vienna, Austria.
He started his career as an actor at the Burgtheater in Vienna. When he was only 21, he took over as manager of the Stadttheater Bremen. This theater was having problems, but Conried helped it become successful again. His good work caught the eye of Adolf Neuendorff, who managed the Germania Theatre in New York.
Moving to New York City
In 1878, Conried accepted Neuendorff's invitation and moved to New York City. He became the chief stage manager at the Germania Theatre. Later, he worked as an artistic manager at the Thalia Theatre (1881-1882). He also managed the New York Concert Company in 1882-1883.
In 1883, Conried took charge of the Irving Place Theatre. He managed this theater for 20 years.
Leading the Metropolitan Opera
In 1903, Heinrich Conried became the director of the Metropolitan Opera. He took over from Maurice Grau. His time at the Met was very important for opera in America.
Bringing Parsifal to America
One of Conried's first big decisions was to stage the opera Parsifal. This opera was written by Richard Wagner. Wagner's wife, Cosima Wagner, did not want Parsifal performed anywhere outside of Bayreuth, Germany. She even tried to stop Conried in court, but she failed. The Metropolitan Opera's production of Parsifal was the first time it was performed outside Bayreuth. It was very popular and was performed 43 times before its copyright ended in 1913.
Famous Singers and New Works
Conried also convinced the famous singer Enrico Caruso to come to New York. Caruso had never wanted to sing in America before. Conried also helped create the New Theatre.
In 1907, Conried brought Gustav Mahler to the Met. Mahler was a very famous conductor from Vienna. He led the conducting team at the Metropolitan Opera until 1909.
The Salome Controversy
Another notable event during Conried's time was the first performance of Richard Strauss's opera Salome in the United States. It was shown in January 1907. The opera shocked many people because of its story and music. Some audience members even walked out. There were many complaints to the opera's board. Because of this, the Met stopped performing Salome for many years. It wasn't staged again until 1934.
Retirement and Death
On May 1, 1908, Heinrich Conried retired from the Metropolitan Opera. He retired because of poor health. Soon after, he traveled to Europe.
He passed away on April 27, 1909, in Merano, Italy. He died from a stroke while with his wife and sister.
