Morris Tartas was my husband's great uncle, born 1888 in Amsterdam. Most of the Tartas family emigrated from Holland to the US in around 1889, so Morris was just a baby when he came to America.
Unlike his father, who was a cigarmaker, Morris became a professional musician. He played viola with the New York City Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic Orchaestra. Also, he worked in the pit orchaestras on Broadway, and in various orchaestras in Boston as well.
In 1930 Morris went on a European tour with the New York Philharmonic. Arturo Toscanini was the conductor for that tour. Apparently the tour was a big success, and brought the New York Philharmonic a great deal of fame.
In the early 1980s, Morris Tartas was recognized by the New York Philharmonic Orchaestra as their oldest living member.
Morris lived to age 94. He died in Gloucester, MA.
Have a great day!
Betty
© Betty Tartas 2010
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