Casals, Pablo. (1876–1973) & Schneider, Alexander. (1908–1993) 1956 Photograph of Casals and Schneider in Puerto Rico
Vintage press photograph of the two great musicians walking arm and arm as they "discuss plans for a world music festival here in April, 1957." Press clipping affixed to verso, small crease upper right corner, else fine. 8 x 10 inches. The inaugural Casals Festival in Puerto Rico—founded by the legendary cellist and conductor Pablo Casals—opened on April 22, 1957. Held at the University of Puerto Rico theater in Río Piedras, the festival marked Casals' establishment of a permanent residence in his mother's homeland. Just days before the opening night, Casals suffered a heart attack during a rehearsal. The podium was symbolically left vacant, and his close collaborator, the violinist Alexander Schneider, stepped in to lead the orchestra. Despite Casals' sudden illness, the opening went on as a tribute to the musician's 80th birthday. Pianist Rudolf Serkin performed as a guest, and a recording of the historic concert was later released by Columbia Records.