Photo from the Warren Times-Mirror and Observer The Prague Symphony Orchestra was part of the Warren Concert Association’s 1969-1970 season.

This version has been in existence but references in local newspapers date back to at least 1939.

“It was learned early this afternoon from Warren Concert Association officials that the artist committee has definitely selected the two-piano team of Fray and Bragiotti as the second attraction to be offered in this season’s series,” the Times-Mirror reported in Sept. 1939.

That season also included Alec Templeton, a pianist who was born blind but had perfect pitch and had an extensive recording

The Times-MIrror reported a couple months later that a membership drive for the Association was an “an effort to bring once more a series of really fine artists for the benefit and entertainment of the musicians in Warren and vicinity.”

Photo from the Warren Times-Mirror The Bulgarian Children’s Chorus performed at Warren Area High School in Oct. 1971 in a concert sponsored by the Warren Concert Association.

A telephone had been especially installed at a Pennsylvania Ave. W. address for the effort.

Flash forward to Sept. 1943.

“In an effort to ascertain whether or not a concert course is wanted for the coming season, officers of the Warren Concert Association are contacting the membership by mail to determine its wishes,” a note in the Times-MIrror said.

“While a great deal of satisfaction has been expressed as to artists presented in former seasons, and the officers feel that the activities of the association should not be suspended even for the duration of the war, the local group operates on a very close budget.”

A history of the organization was included in the Times Observer for the WCA’s 30th anniversary in Sept. 1977.

“Since its beginnings, the community of Warren has been deeply aware of the cultural heritage of the human race,” that article explained. “For decades our people have been active in the arts, and a great percentage of them appreciate good music, good painting, good drama.

“The Warren Concert Association, about to enter the 30th season of providing fine musical entertainment, carries on a tradition that began in the 1920s, was interrupted by World War II, revived by the Jaycees in 1947, discontinued for a year in 1960 and brought back to life by a new citizen’s group in 1961.”

Dedicated to the proposition that good music is more than entertainment – that it is a necessity in a mature and modern civilization – the Warren Concert Association operates on a non-profit basis to bring the world’s finest artists to Warren’s own concert stage.

Those with the longest memories can recall the great moments of music presented in the Woman’s Club Auditorium by such stars as pianist Percy Grainger, violinist Isaac Stern, soprano Polyna Stoska and the controversial but famous baritone Paul Robeson.

When the Junior Chamber of Commerce was organized, this energetic group revived the series and the community responded with sold-out audiences every year. So successful was the series that the concerts were moved for a time from the Woman’s Club to the larger Library Theater.

The Vienna Choir Boys was the first attraction of the new series in 1948 which also presented that year Metropolitan Opera baritone Hugh Thompson, the Trieste Trip and famed duo-piano team Gold and Fizdale.

Proving that residents in the largest cities are not the only ones who can enjoy musical events, the Jaycees continued to present each winter some of the best known names in classical music….

The 1961-1962 season moved to another location – the “new” Warren Area High School auditorium.

“It was here that the famed operatic star, Rise Stevens, packed the house with some of the audience sitting on the stage, the only available seats left,” the report said. “And the same year, cellist Leonard Rose presented what many still regard as one of the most thrilling solo programs ever given in Warren.

“In the years since there have been highlights, and some disappointments each season, but the title of “most popular” entertainer as measured against ticket sales, belongs to Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians. The association hit its high in membership enrollment in 1967 when Fred Waring appeared and, again, in 1972 when the ageless band leader returned.”

The group at the time was trying to balance increased costs for the notable artists that were recruited amid declining subscriptions.

“Few symphony orchestras are available anymore for less than $10,000; in 1970, the entire series of four events including the Prague Symphony and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, cost only $7,500,” the report said. “A Beverly Sills, a Robert Merrill or a Roberta Peters, for example, can easily demand and get fees of $6,000 to $10,000 for an appearance.”

Most of the names in this article aren’t necessarily known to me.

But I know that I could write a story about most of them based off what a quick Google search uncovers. It’s fair to say that these were major names in their space and time.

An adult subscription? It cost $12. Students were $6. The top level of supporters was $100 for the year.

They made an ethereal argument for the importance of continuing the tradition.

“Music is the universal language that expresses man’s innermost thoughts and deepest feelings. We turn to music in all the important events of our lives. The Warren Concert Association asks the support of all citizens this month in maintaining its heritage and in securing its future for years to come.”