Musikforeningen

It operated from 1838 to 1931 but it was especially under the leadership of Niels Gade (1850–90) that it became a meeting place for the city's music life with its own symphony orchestra and choir.

Johan Peter Emilius Hartmann was its chairman from 1839 to 1892, whilst Gade was a most effective leader of the orchestra and choir until his death in 1890.

During the early years, the association supported modern developments but even under Gade's leadership policy became more conservative.

As a private association, it was totally dependent on its members, but as opportunities for concerts increased elsewhere, membership fell steadily.

Financing consisted of membership dues, an annual State subsidy and the receipts of additional concerts open to the public.

Performances were held at 8 pm on Thursday evenings at Odd Fellows Mansion (often simply called the Palæ) in Copenhagen's Bredgade.

[2] Around 1922, interest drastically declined, not just as a result of the economic recession but especially because the Music Society was increasingly seen as an outdated institution.