Fonds 1237 - Clarence Fink Fonds

The history of recorded concerts at the Jewish Public Library (JPL) begins with the founding of The Music Appreciation Group of the JPL by Howard (Henry?) Rombach either in January 1938, or sometime in 1936 or 1937. The group’s Friday night meetings were held in the basement lecture room at 4099 Esplanade, and gave attendees the opportunity to listen to and discuss recorded music at a time when few could afford to purchase equipment or recordings of their own. Clarence Fink, who headed his own series of recorded concerts at the Talmud Torah, soon became involved in the planning of the weekly concerts. Following Rombach’s sudden death in the fall of 1938, Fink was asked by Library director Hertz Kalles to take over the responsibility for the concerts. In its 17th season, the name of the group changed to The Recorded Symphony Concerts of the Jewish Public Library. From the 22nd season to the 55th season, the name of the group is not indicated on the programmes, though a newspaper article ca. 1976 refers to the group as the Free Recorded Concerts. The programmes for the final 4 seasons are labelled Jewish Public Library Recorded Concerts.

A typical recorded concert presentation included four or five pieces of classical music, with Fink providing commentary on the music. Guest commentators appeared on a regular basis, and included conductor Alexander Brott, Member of Parliament Victor Goldbloom, and musician and critic Frances Goltman. Attendance statistics kept by Fink indicate that an average of 35-40 individuals attended the concerts each week.

Though not a musician, Fink nonetheless developed a passion for music in his teenage years. In 1976, Fink retired from his full-time job as manager of a Dominion store. His work for the JPL, which included not only organizing the recorded concerts but also building up the Library’s music collection, was done on a volunteer basis. His love of and dedication to the recorded concerts was such that, when the facilities at the JPL were unavailable, he would hold the concerts at his home.

The concerts were held weekly year-round until the 44th season, after which there were breaks during the spring and summer, which varied in length from one month to several months. The last recorded concert programme in this fonds is dated May 5, 1996. Clarence Fink passed away on November 24, 1996. The Clarence Fink Memorial Music Scholarship was created in 1997, and is awarded annually to 3 high school students who wish to pursue their studies in music.