The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-04-08
FOR A NEW MUSIC HALL.
A Movement on Foot to Build One
in Providence.
GREAT NEED OF THE STRUCTURE.
"A Music Loving City Like Providence
Would support Such q Venture and
the Quality OF Our Music Treats
Would BE Improved.

The need of more commodious audi
torium for the patrons OF high class en-
tertainments in this city has become an
accepted fact. and the recent suggestions
OF the News in that direction have been
met with hearty approval by many who
are in positions to speak from experience.
About Two years ago revival of the
interest in musical and dra anatic circle
began to be observed. Courses OF enter
tainments were started, and all those
which were properly managed have been
successful. When the symphony con-
certs were first given here it was pre-
dictd by the wiseacres that the Boston
Symphony and the Arion could not both
be successful. 1t is doubtful Il both
were as successful as could have been
wished But both have been maintained
and the standard of excellence never
allowed to decline.
What is the result : During the season
just closed both the Arion and the Bos-
ton Symphony have prospered
As Never Before.
Both have enjoyed full audiences. and
in case of the Arion large numbers have
been turned from the doors. Besides
these organizations two series of Star
course popular entertainments have been
given to crowded houses.
hOWtNtT, WudJ II mere ana mas Deem Is
but promise OF what should and what
could be brought here. None of the
large opera companies come to Provi-
dence for lack of suitable accomm oda-
tions. More than this nicely built hall
with good stage, and seating capacity
for $500 people, could command the fin-
est plays presented in Boston and New
York.
All these facts have been brought tc
the attention of a few men who stand
ready TO consider the matter favorablv.
One or two sites have been looked over.
and one or two owners of large buildings
have drawn plans and made estimates.
While nothing vet has been definitely
settled the arrangements are pending
which will probably lead to the construc-
tion of a suitable hall for all first class
large entertainments.
One of the buildings in view is Music
hall Back Of it now stands a frame
building owned by the present owners Of
the hall. The plan as was outline pro-
poses to extend the auditorium TO Chapel
| street, construct a large stage and rear
| range the galleries so as TO make ali the
seats Ia the house good seats both as TO
| view and hearing. The acoustic proper
ties Of Music hall now are as perfect as
could be desired.
There has been a popular impression
prevailing that high-class plays and
grand opera
WOuiu NOT ray
in this city. 1t WIS predicted by these
that Keith's opera house, with its popu-
lar prices, would take all the business
from the Providence opera house. The
reverse has been true. The Providence
has never had o better season than this
Many Of its best attractions have asked
higher prices than usual, and In almost
every case the high prices have COM
manded or DIVIDED houses The fact that
| the best quality of entertainments will
draw full houses, and that local patrons
will pay good prices. has been fully dem
onstrated.
There is another point In favor of the
| scheme and that relates to the Arion club
itself. Its success this year has raised
the question OF the advisability of rails
| ing permanent fund and establishing
| the club on permanent stock company
| basis, according To the present ORGANISE
| tion of the Worcester festival chorus.
| Jules Jordan is known to stand ready
| 10 start such fund with a subscription
| of 5000. Other liberal gentlemen have
/ been consulted and about one-third Of
the necessary amount (about $4,000 Is
practically assured.
IL this plan is carried through 1t is not
| improbable that IN annual musical
| festival would be held in this city whose
| excellence would be guaranteed by the
| quality of the Arion clubs worS.
| Naturally this Is plan entirely separate
| from any consideration OF the need of "a
| new concert hall, but 1t shows the
| growing sentiment or the city in favor
| of the best work that the best available
| talant in either musical or dramatic
| lines is capable Of, anu it Is ample proof
| that money invested in concert hall
would yield good return.
Il