The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-26

Urso. the pioneer woman violinist. was
made honorary vice president. a fitting
tribute to bestow on a woman who has
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 G.. Will
mcrding 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 violinist; Miss Leontine Gaert-
ner the Hungarian violoncello virtuoso.
and others well known in the domain
of music are among the soloists.
Under the patrDnage OF people re-
nowned in the world of art and fashion
the Woman's String orchestra gave its
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
carping critics and dispelled the fallacy
i'm regard TO the difficulty OF organiz-
ing "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-
lievcd that, given the same opportuni-
| ties. woman is as capable of attaining
the same heights as her masculine RI
walls
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.
| Nine. Camilla Urso pays a glowing
| tribute TO the worth of her Sex when she
says, Indeed there is much excellent
I, 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 WELD the bow deftly,
vioinsts being rare and women cellsts
totally unknown. Today the efficiency
| of the ladies who play on stringed in
struments is acknowledged the world
over.
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 conceding 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 Womans String orchestra Is an
| exclusive society. its concerts not being
| open to the general public. AS 1t Is the
1 aim OF the orchestra to popularize
string music, the yearly membership fee
has been placed at $40. 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 recommends
| ton of a member. Over 30 women per-
| formers are enrolled upon the books.
these young women promising to do all
| i'm their power to further the society's
artistic aims.
Outside Of the regular performances
| the orchestra has been invited to play
| at a number OF private chamber con-
] certs i'm the homes of rich women ap-
| preciating music.
COUNTESS DE MoNTAIGU.