Evening star., 1900-12-22
VII SICAEi MENTION.

Th- fy-lowing communication, addressed
:" the editor of The Evening Star, has been
received from Mr.. Walter Paris:
Il have read with much pleasure and
satisfaction the several notices in the local
papers ot the Philharmonic concert given
IN sunday evening last at the Columbia
Theaer. A, one Of the audience on the oc-
Cl5ion [ beg to indorse the favorable cIiti-
csms Of the respective papers as 10 the I'M
questionable success of he initial concert
of the Philharmonic Orchestral Society,
under the able conductorShD Of Mr. VIM.
II. Santalmann. AS an amateur Of music
/ have always followed with great interest
the gradual development of orchestral music
in Washington. and having recently been
present at the very successful concert given
by the Georgetown Amateur Orchestra, !
was anxious TO hear what Mr.. Santelmann
would accomplish on professional basis
Accordingly. l was present, and / listened
with great pleasure and interest to the en-
tire program. and came away thoroughly
satisfied that Washington has at last estab-
lished the fact that excellent professional
talent Is In our midst, and that Mr.. SanteI-
mann Is an able conductor and quite equal
TO the occasion. Considering that 1t was the
first appearance of the orchestra a. an or
ganized band the result was quite remark
able. and reflects great credit on each and
eyery one individually, and Mr.. Santemann
may well feel proud Of the result Of his
thorough and able training.
The Georgetown Amateur Society proved
by its last performance a few weeks ago
that IL Is not any longer an ordinary must
cal orga nizatlOn 1t has now excellent and
serious amateurs in its list Of membership
aud 10y steady and constant study and re-
hearsals it has attained great proficiency
and satisfactory results under the irde-
fatigBbe energies of its efficient chef
dorchestre. Mr.. Kaspar. Those VINO at
tended the last concert at the Lafayette
Opera House will. ] am sure agree with
IVA a tam and lIt,
Of tone. and the artistic interpretation rem
dered Ia the various selections were not
ainateurlsh but rendered with great intel
ljgence and executive skill; aud [ believe
THAI il IS only question OF 4 short time
when the Georgetown society viii be able
- hold rs own against any similar instltu-
;.on in the states, and possibly challenge
competition with many Of the professional
,rgheStras Of the large cities.
I'VE may feel assured that we have at
least these two musical societies as perma-
uent oTchestras and these should specially
o-rna nd our consideration and respect: So T
feel that the musical future of WASHINGTON
= now assured. And since that Is so
would respectfully sugges; that The time is
now opportuhe Tor the government, the mu-
niciPai!ty or private enterprise toStake up
fur immediate action the 4ong-veXei orlcs-
t!nn of the selection of site and erection of
q grand and suitable hall for music and the
allied arts. and hail for lectures and other
entertainments. Such building would be
"a noble institution to memoriaiZe the first
year OF the new century. and ] trust my
suggestion may meet with the approval Of
the public at large, and that immedia. e
steps may be taken TO promote and ma
turt this much-needed hall, which l con-
slider is absolutely indispensable % this
great md growing social center of Wash
iTet0fL
Mr. Paris is a well-known musical anna
teur an excellent vioinist and one well
Qualified to pass upon the merits Of the