The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-10-30
Meeting Of Western Maine AssOeia-
ton Yesterday.
Plans For Next Seasons
Concerts.
Mr. and Hrs. Chapman Attended
Last Evenings Rehearsal.

A meeting Of the Western Maine Fes-
tiTal association was held yesterday af-
ternoOn at the Office Of Mr.. Z. A. Noyes,
president. All the officers Of the assoeia-
ton and number Of presidents Of
the local ohoruses were present. The bills
for the last festival were read and ap-
proved.
Mr.. Stephen G. Whitmore, the president
Of the Brunswick chorus, who has rep
resented the association as business
manager for the past year, stated that the
total receipts were sS,S79.5O, and the ex-
penses were s., PAS 81, leaving a balance
Of 1888. IS in treasury.
The question OF date Of the next festi-
val was discussed, but cannot be definite
ly decided until the ARRANGEMENTS with
the artists for next season are made.
There are reasons why the spring wouI0
be better, but perhaps a change may not
be advisable this season. This festival
proved beyond question the success OF
the October date as regards large audi
ences.
Resolutions were passed that the thanks
OF the association were rendered to Ste
phen 9. -Whitmore tor his Evaluable as
s.stance as business manager, an entirely
honorary position which he has filled
most acce ptably; TO Frank G. Allen for
his efficient handling Of the box Office; to
Elmer A. Brown, for the capable work
done at the ArmOry by him and his corps
Of assistants; to @. II. Davis, for his aid
as head usher. The hope was expressed
that before another festival season suit
able ventilation may be provided SO
the comfort Of the. large audience may be
assured.
A new stage will be erected from plans
to be prepared by Architect F. A. Tomp-
son, which will be made In sections so
that 1t can be easily put in place.
Reports from presidents of local oho-
rUsss showed increased Interest every
where, larger choruses than last year,
and the formation of several new ones.
The association and Mr. Chapman are
pleased With the result of this years
work, and are planning with increased
enthusiasm for next year. The returns |
prove that the festival WAS well patron |
lied by the Portland music lovers, and |
the testimony OF these patrons is that
the festival was worthy of all praise
and SUCCESS in every way.
The Portland Festival chorus held a
rehearsal last night in their rooms in the
Y. NJ. Q. A. building. There was a very
large attendance and the stage must be
enlarged to accommodate the new men,
bers,a as many last evening were unable
to find a seat.
Mr.. Cain, the conductor, was present
and conducted several Of the new cho-
ruGes from the Redemption, by Gounod,
which viii be the. OratOrio work for the
next festival, Mr.. and Mrs Chapman
were both present, and made brief adj
dresses to the chorus, assuring them OF
their interest and enthusiasm, aud bid
ding them goodbye for a time, as they
return to New York tomorrow.
A nesting in reference to the orchestra
and concert for their benefit was held
during the evening and a committee
composed Of Mr.. e. A. NOyes, president
OF the Western Maine Festival assOcia-
zion; Mrs +. Z Boothby, president Of
the Maine symphony Orchestra patrons,
and MIR. &. +. Little, who represents the
orchestra interests, viii have charge of
ths preliminary matters to raise the
guarantee necessary. 1t was decided to
give concert In January, 1901, and
Invite the Portland chorus to assist, and
delegates from other ohorusas in West
ern Maine association to also be present
Madams MacOnda will probably be
the solo artist. Mr.. Chapman spoke to
the chorus at some length in reference
to this proposed concert, and his plans
and aspirations for the Maine Symphony
Orchestra.