Hermann Kotzschmar's major, and most rewarding musical endeavors over his lifetime in Portland were his work at First Parish Church and his position as conductor of the Haydn Association. Both of these long-term professional relationships unraveled in 1898.
William Rogers Chapman, a New York musician with ancestral ties in Bethel, dreamed of creating a huge 'Maine Music Festival' with a large chorus, and world-renowned vocal and instrumental soloists.
With support from leaders in the arts community in three Maine cities -- Lewiston, Bangor and Portland -- Chapman's dream became a reality.
Along the way the Haydn Association became enthused with Chapman's vision, and the Haydns transformed themselves into the Maine Festival chorus, under the direction of William Rogers Chapman.
Kotzschmar resigned "due to a conflict over the direction in which the organization was heading."
At the same time the First Parish Church was having financial problems and reduced its music program.
Kotzschmar resigned because of the cuts and the venerable musician, after 47 years of dedicated service, left First Parish at the end of March 1898, two weeks before Easter.
