Edgar Speyer, a banker, then took over the financing of the concerts, but Newman and Wood retained artistic control. During World War I, Speyer had to relinquish his participation with the series because of anti-German sentiment.
Initially, Edgar Speyer, a banker, financed the concerts. However, Newman and Wood maintained creative oversight. During World War I, Speyer was forced to step back from the concert series because of anti-German sentiments.