Ernest Urchs

Biography

Ernest Urchs, raised in New York, began an apprenticeship as a bookkeeper in a wholesale dry-goods house at his father's wish, but his love of music drew him instead into the piano trade. Through conductor Frank Van der Stucken he obtained a position as retail salesman with Chickering and Sons, where he enjoyed the friendship and guidance of P. J. Gildemeester. In 1891 he joined Steinway and Sons as a floor salesman, moving two years later into the wholesale department and eventually into a traveling 'ambassador' role handling trade diplomacy across the United States. In 1906 he was appointed manager of the concert and artist department, succeeding the late C. F. Tretbar, and that year launched the American career of Josef Lhevinne, booking him an unprecedented ninety-three concerts. He also managed tours for Mme. Bloomfield Zeisler, Richard Buhlig, Ernest Hutcheson, and Ernest Schelling. Described as a well-read, optimistic man of the world and a brilliant entertainer, he preferred quiet evenings at home reading and playing Steinway grand pianos, and had been a Steinway shareholder since 1900.

Highlights

• Managed Steinway's concert and artist department from 1906, succeeding C. F. Tretbar
• Launched Josef Lhevinne's American career in 1906, securing an unprecedented 93 concerts
• Also managed tours of Mme. Bloomfield Zeisler, Richard Buhlig, Ernest Hutcheson, and Ernest Schelling

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. II (1913), pp. 190, 191.

Public domain.