The age-herald., 1898-03-27

made honorary vice president, a fitting | tribute to bestow on a woman who has l always advocated the supremacy of her | sex. Mrs. William c. Whitney, wife of the ex-secretary of the navy; Mrs. | George De Forest, Mrs. John c. Will merding and other wealthy devotees to
 the art of music are numbered among
 the vice presidents and patronesses. The active members are all professional musicians.
 Among the eminent founders are Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Mrs. Henry Willard, Mrs. Albert Morris Bagby and other people of brains and fashion. | Miss Martina Johnson, the well known | Swedish viounist; Miss Leontine Gaert-
 ner, the Hungarian violoncello virtuoso,
 and others well known in the domain
 of music are among the soloists. Under the patronage of people re- | nowned in the world of art and fashion | the Woman's String orchestra gave it's initial concert and scored a success. The enthusiastic performers played en- | tirely on instruments pertaining to the violin family, the cello viola and vio- lin. The ensemble playing was fine, the music being rendered with taste, skill and infinite artistic feeling. The or chestra found favor with even the most carpng critics and dispelled the fal1acy in regard to the difficulty of organizing a number of women for concerted work.
 String orchestral music is one of the loftiest forms of musical art and has been recognized as such by the great masters of harmony all over the world. That number of young women should so distinguish themselves in this line was a surprise even to those who be- lieved that, given the same opportuni- ties, woman is as capable of attaining the same heights as her masculine ri- vals.
 The aim of the Woman's String or- chestra is toward the promotion of a cultivated taste for music and to afford ambitious young women a wider field than has hitherto been accorded them. Women have, as a rule, been debarred from positions in theater orchestras and can find occupation only in those or ganizations where women are employed.
 Mime. Camilla Urso pays a glowing tribute to the worth of her sex when she says, Indeed there is much excellent talent among women of the kind re- quired that needs but an opportunity to be heard"
 Twenty years ago there were but few women who could wield the bow deftly, violinists being rare and women cellists totally unknown. Today the efficiency of the ladies who play on stringed in- struments is acknowledged the world oyer
 The Woman's String orchestra per- forms the most difficult classic music with as much ease as an orchestra composed of men musicians, even their rivals eonceding the fact. Aside from classic and modern works, the society presents new compositions by eminent composers residing in America, each of the last named works being conducted by the composer himself.
 The Woman's String orchestra is an exclusive society, it's concerts not being aim of the orchestra to popuarize string music, the yearly membership fee has been placed at $10. This entities members to tickets for four yearly con- certs. About 300 people are comprised in the membership. New members can only be admitted on the recommenda- ton of member. Over 30 women per- formers are enrolled upon the books. these young women promising to do all in their power to further the society's artistic aims.
 Outside of the regular performances the orchestra has been invited to play at number of private chamber con- certs in the homes of rich women ap- preciatng music.
 COUNTESS DE MONTAIGU.