Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-05-10

was at first intended to play only for mu-
tual benefit and enjoyment the members
were urged by their friends to give public
performances, so that they could afford
qualification to wider circle.
1t was then decided to give public re-
hearsaIs and from the first these were
largely attended by the best people, and the
work of the orchestra was highly appre-
ciated After a complete organization was
effected the orchestra was regularly Off
cered and 1t soon had a large list of hon.
crazy members, through whose contributions
it was enabled to give its public rehearsals.
For years these were entirely invitation
affairs, intended for the honorary members
and their friends, and the cards of admis-
sion were eagerly sought by all lovers OF
music in the District. The best amateurs
connected themselves with this orchestra
and it's numbers increased SO that it be-
came probably as large as any similar
body in the country. Indeed. 1t Is doubted
organization of amateur musicians. whose
only object is the promotion of their in
dividual and collective improvement from
their love of music.
The aim of the Georgetown Orchestra was
always high, and frequently in it's earlier
history 1t attempted works that had been
given by skilled professional orchestras and
which naturally induced comparisons. But
conmen1able effort, and thus encouraged
they kept on in the same direction, never
abating In their interest or lowering the
high standard they had set at the outset.
Their improvement each year was very
marked. and, though for a while they were
handicapped by an inefficient leader that
weakness was overcome when Mr.. Josef
Kaspar took hold of them and since that
time their progress has been rapid and pro-
rounced. 1t was during Mr.. Kaspars lead
dership that. their work attained such a
high degree of excellence that the distinc-
tive title Of amateur was dropped, for the
playing of the orchestra was fully equal
to many professional organizations, and
was superior to some.
When Mr.. kaspar resigned 1t was feared
that there would be a retrograde move
looking carefully around for leader the
choice of the members fell upon Mr.. Her.
man c. Rakemann, young violinist, who
had received the best instructions, both in
this country and in Europe. and who had
already attained a high reputation as
solo performer. Mr.. Rakemann went into
his work with enthusiasm, and soon demon
strated his capabilities for leadership. He
acquired the confidence of his force, and
the members quickly responded to his
wishes. He seemed to infuse new life in
the orchestra, and they now play with
vigor and force that indicates the most per-
feet harmony between conductor and per-
formers. The last concert was considered
by many the best ever given by the or
chestra, both in regard to the care with
which the program was selected and the
soloists were Mrs. Thomas c. Noyes and
Mr.. John Porter Lawrence, and their work
was thoroughly gratifying to the large
audience present.
have been times when the orchestra needed
financial assistance, and this it has re-
ceived from Mr.. II. d. Cooke, who was its
first president; from Mr.. Frank b. Metze-
rott, its vice president; Mr.. Walter Paris,
who has been made a life member of the
orchestra, and the late w. w. Curtis of
Georgetown. Although it is still known as
the Georgetown Orchestra, the organization
lCng ago outgrew that sectional location,
and for years has held its rehearsals in
Washington, and is an association of musi-
Glars from the whole of the District
The present officers of the orchestra are
B. H. Warner, president; Frank b. Metze-
rott, vice president; c. w. Curtis, treas
urer: E. w. Stone, secretary; John R. Hill,
C. B. kefersten, DR.. F. S. Barbarin. F.
Weller. 7. H. Gibbs, j. d. Patten and DR..
tlemen look after the interests of the or
chestra, but the one whom the burden
of the work falls is Secretary Stone. He is
iEdefatigable in looking after all the details
other members of the board recognizing his
Industry and efficiency, rely upon his judg-
ment. satisfied that everything will be all
right that is under his charge
At the coming concert Mr.. Rakemann has
arranged a program that will be unusually
attractive, and the work of the orchestra
at rehearsals warrants the prediction that
it will be excellently played. The orches-
trail numbers will be the Coronation March
from Kretchmers opera, die Folknger;"
Haydn's second symphony in d major, the
full five movements; Wagner's album
blatt;" the prayer and scene from Won We
ber's Der Frieschutz;" Cannes Russian
nazurka, "Czarina," and Nicolai's over
ture 1.-The Merry Wives of Windsor" The
soloists will be Miss Anita Cluss, harpist,
and Miss Mary Helep Howe, soprano.