Collection 53-M

Philip Kahgan Collection

Russian born Philip Kahgan emigrated to the United States in 1909 when he was seventeen. He served as first chair violist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1921 through 1941 and frequenlty appeared as a soloist.

After leaving the Philharmonic, Kahgan became well known for his ability to quickly gather symphonic ensembles for recordings, concerts or films. Many of these groups performed at the Hollywood Bowl.

For nearly 50 years, he both performed in and assembled the orchestras for many of Paramount Studio's pictures. He was also musical contractor for the Glendale Symphony, the San Francisco and Passadena Opera companies and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

In 1945, Kahgan provided musicians for the Los Angeles County Musuem Sundy chamber concert series. He worked at this until shortly before his death in 1986.

The collection consists of program runs and single issues representing individual performers, orchestras, theaters, and other performing groups and institutions throughout the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Signed photographic portraits of major musical performers, conductors, and groups. Correspondence, clippings, contracts, and other documents relating to Kahgan's career as a performer (viola) and music contractor.

For additional information about this collection consult:

Catalog record

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