08/21/2026
It's National Radio Day.....which reminds us of a very special part of our collection!
The San Bernardino Symphony's Guthrie Music Rental Library takes great pride in housing the esteemed Donald Vorhees Collection, a remarkable gift from Michael Feinstein, the emeritus pops conductor of the Pasadena POPS Symphony and the visionary founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation.
This exquisite collection comprises 1,597 unique materials, including original manuscripts of interlude performances from “The Bell Telephone Hour,” meticulously crafted by the original composers and Vorhees himself. This iconic weekly concert series, which aired on the NBC Radio Network from April 29, 1940, to June 30, 1958, showcased a rich tapestry of classical, pops, and light classical music, all under the masterful direction of Vorhees.
The collection not only represents a significant chapter in our musical heritage but also embodies the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines orchestral music. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of music on our culture and community, inviting everyone to explore its treasures and celebrate the artistry and passion that it encompasses.
Shared Feinstein, “The Guthrie Rental Library is the perfect place for these classic, unique and rare manuscript arrangements. The most iconic 20th-century artists performed these scores, usually only once, on radio and television. The music needed to find a home where it would be valued, preserved and once again made available to all and the Guthrie is an important and respected source for preserving and disseminating orchestral music. In addition, their numerous music programs for students mean that these rare works will find a new multi-generational audience. It’s a great pleasure to know the music has found the right home.”
If you're interested in learning more about The Bell Telephone Hour collection, contact Guthrie Manager Claudia Mayorga at (909) 381-5388 or via email at [email protected]
