In 1879, San Francisco's city fathers, searching for a way to help their city shed its depraved reputation of "Baghdad by the Bay" decided that a symphony orchestra was needed. Accordingly, they commissioned Justin Porter, a young lawyer with musical knowledge to search for a man who could create the desired orchestra.
Justin headed to Europe to begin his search. The one name that he kept hearing was Otkar Talich, the Continent's leading violinist and frequent guest conductor of major symphony orchestras.
Justin decided Talich was the man he wanted. Upon meeting, him there was an immediate mutual affinity. Talich was not only a fine man but a student of history and of the American West in particular. He told Justin he would not make a commitment until he visited San Francisco to see how he liked it but was eager for the trip as it would give him a chance to see "The Real West" before it disappeared..
It was a life-changing journey for Otkar in a tragic yet remarkable way.