Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-02-11

conductor were so prominently and ac-
/ lively demonstrated by the closing con-
cert. 1t was certainly a most happy
ending. The change was reluctantly
made, and only after long and careful
consideration, for we all realized how
much of our reputation was due to his
wonderful magnetism and power as a
conductor and by long and most
| agreeable association with him we
! found, when the time for a separation
came, there were the strong ties of
friendship to be severed. But sentiment
could not prevail and the change was
made That the board did not err, Mr..
Zerrahn's recent action has demonstrat-
ed He has given up all active work, for
a time at least, seeking rest in his ma
| tive land, and our heartfelt wishes for
| his happiness go with him. His name,
which will ever be held in grateful re-
membrance, will be associated with our
successes. His successor, an accom-
plished musician and conductor of expe-
rience, has taken up his work with en-
| thusiasm and skill, and in business
like manner that promises well for the
future. I believe we shall have no oc-
| casion to doubt the wisdom of our
choice. With the accomplished and ver-
satile concertmaster-Mr. Kneisel-for
an assistant, the next festival will be in
| strong hands
The orchestra last year was fully up
! to the standard of that fine body Of
musicians. Its numbers were sufficient
for all requirements, its work faithful
and efficient, and the effects were in
| spiring AS q great factor in our festi-
walls of late years. it has added greatly
to their reputation. Our patrons are
privileged in having the opportunity
| to hear such a band of players, which
has no peer in this country.
Ies -iI1e~ u
unerring regularity and usually of such
worthy character, has attracted the at
| tention of people, musical and other
wise, in all parts of our land and in for
| eign countries. Unquestionably nothing
has contributed so much to the fame
| and good reputation of Worcester as
these great musical events. They are
regarded of sufficient consequence to re-
| eeive the notice of the press in all lands.
The most accomplished critics are sent
here by leading metropolitan journals
! Successes and failures are noted with
1 faithful accuracy. Artists, musicians
newspapers and patrons all unite in
complimentary phrase. For all this, we
| have to record lack of material support
What can be done to better the condi-
| tions? A change must be effected, or
disaster will follow. l have no scheme
! of relief to offer at this time. Some
suggest retrenchment, but retrenchment
does not always stand for economy.
nave no sympathy with any reduction
| Of expenses that shall in any manner
detract from the merit of the perform
ances. The chorus must be properly
drilled in all works. and the orchestra
must be fully adequate In numbers and
quality. What does this association
stand for? Is it not an exponent of the
best and noblest in choral and orcheS-
| tral music? Amid numerous smaller and
younger societies about US, it stands
| consp.cuously as such, and as such is
| held sharply up to a standard that we
have been steadily, it may be unconscI-
ously, building for ourselves until now
we hold a reputation any organization
| may be proud Of. Our friends tell us
| that patronage will not be lacking for
our next festival, we having attained
such a reputation in the last. If finan-
cial failure be the result of our next eff
| fort, change In methods may be
adopted which would undoubtedly bring
the desired relief, for If disaster really
threatened, 1 believe the citizens of
Worcester would rally TO the support of
| the organization that has done so much
| to give to their city its reputation as a
centre of musical taste and culture.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles NJ. Bent, President,
Worcester, Feb. TO- 1898.
The officers of the association are:
President, Charles M. Bent; vice-presi-
dent, Daniel Downey; clerk, Luther M.
Lowell treasurer, George r. Bliss; Ii
| brarlan, George w. Elkins: directors.
two vacancies, Samuel e. Winslow and
Charles I. Rice, to serve for four years.