Manns, (Sir) August (Friedrich)

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Manns, (Sir) August (Friedrich) (b Stolzenberg, 1825; d Norwood, 1907). Ger.-born conductor (Brit. cit.). After studies, was prin. clarinettist in Danzig military band. In 1848 became first violinist in Gung'l's orch., Berlin. Bandmaster, Königsberg and Cologne 1851–4. Went to London 1854 as ass. cond. of Crystal Palace band. In 1855 became cond. and augmented band to sym. orch. From 1855 to 1901, when orch. was disbanded, Manns's Crystal Palace concerts were most enterprising concerts in Eng., where many works received their f.ps. in England. Manns cond. first London perf. of mus. by Elgar. Instituted Saturday popular concerts 1856. Cond. Handel Fest. 1883–1900. Knighted 1903.