Robert Mayer (philanthropist) facts for kids

Sir Robert Mayer CH KCVO (born June 5, 1879 – died January 9, 1985) was a very important person who loved music and helped many young musicians. He was born in Germany but became a British citizen. He was a successful businessman and a great philanthropist, which means he gave a lot of his time and money to good causes.

Early Life and Music

Sir Robert Mayer was born in Mannheim, Germany. His father worked as a brewer. From a young age, Robert loved music. When he was just 5 years old, he started attending the Mannheim music school, called a conservatoire.

A cool fact about his childhood is that when he was 11, he almost played the piano for the famous composer Brahms. Even though he wasn't chosen to perform, he got to sit right next to Brahms during the concert! He also learned music from another famous conductor, Felix Weingartner.

However, Robert's father wanted him to go into business. So, Robert first worked in the lace trade. Then, in 1896, he moved to London and became a banker. Even with his busy job, he kept studying the piano. He became a British citizen in 1902 and later joined the British army during the First World War.

Helping Young Musicians

Sir Robert Mayer's first wife was a singer named Dorothy Moulton Piper. They got married in 1919. She encouraged his love for music. When they lived in the United States, Robert saw special concerts for children organized by Walter Damrosch. This gave him a wonderful idea!

He was inspired to create his own concerts for young people. In 1923, he started the Robert Mayer Concerts for Children. These concerts helped introduce classical music to many kids. Later, in 1954, he also founded Youth and Music, which was connected to a group called Jeunesses Musicales. Famous conductors like Adrian Boult and Malcolm Sargent led the first concerts.

Sir Robert and Dorothy had three children. Two of them, Adrian and Pauline, lived longer than him. In 1980, when he was 101 years old, he got married again to Lady Jacqueline Mayer Noble.

Founding Music Groups

Sir Robert Mayer helped start several important music organizations. In 1932, he was one of the people who founded the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This is one of the world's most famous orchestras!

He also helped create the London Schools Symphony Orchestra in 1951. This orchestra gives young, talented musicians a chance to play together. He was also involved in starting the ISCM, a group that supports new music.

A Century of Life

Sir Robert Mayer lived a very long life. When he turned 100 years old in 1979, it was a big national celebration in the United Kingdom! There was a special concert at the Royal Festival Hall, and even Queen Elizabeth II attended.

On his 100th birthday, he was a guest on a famous BBC radio show called Desert Island Discs. Later that year, he appeared on a BBC TV quiz show called Face The Music.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra played music by famous composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Benjamin Britten, Malcolm Arnold, and Jean Sibelius at his birthday concert. These were the most requested songs from a poll.

Sir Robert Mayer wrote a book about his life called My First 100 Years. It was published in 1979.

Honors and Awards

Sir Robert Mayer received many special honors for his work and his long life.

• In 1939, he was made a Knight Bachelor, which means he could use "Sir" before his name.
• In 1973, he became a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH). This is a very special award for people who have done great things.
• In 1979, the Queen made him a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO).