George Putnam Upton

Biography

George Putnam Upton, born in 1834, became one of Chicago's most respected arbiters of musical taste, chronicling symphonies and operatic achievements in the pages of the Tribune. His keen ear, measured prose, and deep respect for composers helped bring serious music to a wide audience at a time when the young city was building its cultural institutions.

Through books, essays, and unwavering attendance at concerts, he encouraged a standard of excellence that endured long after his passing, and he remained a vocal advocate for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists. He rests in Oak Woods Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful criticism that helped shape American musical listening.