The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-06-12
SUMNER MUSIC.
Plans For Light Opera-EchOes
of the Late Festival.

If present plans Of the Topeka Choral
society carry, that organization viii pre-
sent TO the public some sort OF light en-
tertainment, probably an opera, during
the summer months. At the regular
meeting Wednesday evening that much
was decided upon and a committee con-
sisting of NJ c. Holman, Burg Z. Zels,
William M. Shaver, Clement Smith, Miss
Beatrice Cron and Mrs. John Griley was
appointed to take the preliminary steps
looking to the same and to report at the
next meeting, Wednesday. evening. This
action was taken partially to give the
society an opportunity to extricate
itself from the financial straits to which
It IS reduced by the bad business man
agenent Of the musical festival of last
week as we'll as to keep the work III
hand during the summer months. 1t IS
understood that the society had to face
debt Of from $500 to $1,000 after the
close OF the festival, which viii take the
greater part of the income derived from
the Nordica and other entertainments
given during the year.
Major T. A. Anderson appeared before
the society and made a string of pa
thetic remarks, censuring the news
papers
Major Anderson. secretary of the
Commercial club. displayed very bad
taste in condemning the newspapers of
the city, when the newspapers were not
in the least at fault The committee in
charge of the advertising insisted upon
squandering a large amount Of money
in advertising in mediums and methods
that brought no returns. Expensive let
ters, circulars and folders We're mailed
and travelling men sent out, but no en-
thusiasm was secured and no returns
brought. except that worked up by the
members Of the large choruses.
Major Anderson thoroughly under
stands that the tncOmpetency Of the ad-
Vertising management and its unWil-
lingness to use ordinary business sense
We're wholly responsible for the lamen-
table failure of q splendid musical
event. The blame should be placed ex-
actly where it belongs. Misrepresenta-
ton of the press and attempts to de-
ceive the public are beneath the dignity
OF the choral society. The event should
have brought in a revenue Of at least
fifteen hundred dollars more than it did.
The only reason for the failure Is the
one assigned above. 1t was positively
pitfable to see the splendid musical or
CARNATIONS producing fine efforts to
empty seats. 1t was an expensive ex-
] erience.
Prof. George B. Penny. dean Of the
school Of fine arts of the State uni
versity and director Of the singers, was
present and after devoting SON time
to going over parts of "Hlawatha,'
gave talk on the work which has been
done during the past year. Prof. Penny
believed that next year the finances
should be handled by subscriptions the
same as is done in Kansas City and
other cities of the country. He believes
that if one-half the money for the new
pipe organ In the Auditorium can be
raised between now and fall it viii be
possible to give the order for the in
strument and have it placed and paid
for by next May when the annual fes-
tfval is given.
At the session of the regents of the
State university Wednesday an invita-
ton was extended to the society to 20
to Lawrence next September and as
gist in the ceremonies to be held IN
connection with the Inauguration of
Chancellor-elect Strong. The invitation
was accepted.
As explained by Prof Penny it is the
intention to give two or three choruses in
the morning of inaugural day. the same in
the afternoon and grand musical concert
at night.
It was suggested by Mai. Anderson that
the society prepare to participate in the
observance Of the Kansas semi-centennial
in 1904
on motion Of Secretary J. M. Stark a
resolution was adopted changing the date
of the election of officers from January to
June and fixing next Wednesday. evening
the time when the society will choose
its officers for the ensuing year.