Hermann Kotzschmar, Portland, ca. 1849
Item 20786 info
Maine Historical Society
After five years of study in Dresden, Kotzschmar and 19 other young musicians, calling themselves the Saxonia Band, emigrated to America to seek their fortunes.
The rapid social, economic and political changes that were shaking the foundations of authoritarian governments throughout Europe probably helped spur the young men to leave their home country.
They were confident that they could support themselves through their musical talents.
The band worked for a couple of months in New York and Philadelphia with Fry's Italian Opera, but when they traveled to Boston, the show folded. The band members decided to split up and go their own ways.
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