Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia

The Musical Fund Society was founded in 1820 in Philadelphia by John K. Kane, Dr. Robert M. Patterson, Dr. William P. DeWees, and a number of noted professional musicians, including composer and conductor, Benjamin Carr. It had two purposes: "the relief of decayed musicians and their families, and the cultivation of skill and diffusion of taste in music." From 1824 to 1924 the Society owned and occupied Musical Fund Hall, where it produced musical concerts as well as rented the space to other organizations. In its history it developed a large music library and sponsored several world-wide music competitions for composers; the winner in 1928 was Béla Bartók for his Third String Quartet.

From the description of Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia supplementary records, ca. 1820-2004. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155862729

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