ORCHESTRA LEADER ACCIDENTALLY SHOT IN MOUTH CONTINUES TO LEAD
Leningrad, Russia (JFK+50) On February 20, 1926, Associated Press reports that last evening Sergius Novitsky, leader of the orchestra of the State Circus*, was "accidentally shot...by a Swiss marksman during the performance."
Miraculously, Mr. Novitsky "continued to lead his orchestra until loss of blood caused him to collapse."
The orchestra leader was struck by a bullet in the mouth which shattered some teeth and tore away part of his nose. AP says the audience was "entirely unaware" of the accident.
*The Leningrad State Circus was one of Russia's oldest & most prestigious permanent circuses. It was known for high quality acrobatics, clowning & animal acts.
SOURCE
"Orchestra Leader, Shot, Continues Until Collapse," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 20, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
