New-York tribune., 1902-04-06
PHILHARMONIC ANNITER.SARY
SPEECHES BY WELL KNOWN MEN AT
THE CELEBRATION OF THE so
CIETY'S SIXTIETH YEAR.

The sixtieth anniversary of the Philharmonic
Society Of New-York ittingly celebrated last
night in Carnegie Hall Every seat in the great
hall was occupied by the most fashionable of New
York's music lovers, and hundreds were compelled
to remain standing throughout the concert.
The only decorations the stage Were the figures
'1s42' at the upper left hand corner in the rear.
1902 at right hand and go In large
circle over the centre. These done In red
leaves. At the intermission chairs were drawn 10
the front OF the stage, and Andrew Carnegie pres:
dent OF the society walked to the footlights, fol-
lowed by Richard Arnold, vice-presldent; August
Roebbeen secretary: Carl Schmitz, treasurer: Emil
Paur conductor; DR.. r. Ogden Doremus presi-
dent from 1867 1870. and E. Francis Hyde. who
preceded Mr. Carnegie president Of the society
and who filled the longest term In that office Mr.
Carnegie Immediately and introduced DR..
Doremus in these words:
1T becomes my pleasant duty 20 perform some
thing like an unnecessary task OF introducing our
venerable ex-president but ] now have the great
pleasure of presenting him to you
DR. Doremus said it seemed like a sacriege to
mar such musical harmonies with short
address. In Mrs. John Crosby Browns History
of Music he had learned that in China centuries
before the Christian era. music outranked mathe
matics One of its emperors while playing
his favorite instrument, called The King drew
the stars from their heavenly abodes to listen to
his enchanting melodies. Continuing he said:
Thirty-fve years ago this great society was in
trouble through dissensions. they could not agree
elect any member as president. MesSrs. Hill,
Schaad, Beisneim Leis, Bergner, Boehm. MatZka,
Schmitz Rietzel and Conductor Bergman called
at my residence and asked me to take the presi-
denCy. ] promptly declined and expressed my OPP
position to the election of any amateur to this dis
tinguished position. which had always been held
by renowned professional musician l suggested
various names in vain. l appealed to my beloved
friend. Richard Hoffman He said his duties to his
pupils would not permit him to accept the presi-
dency.
To nv surprise he advised to accede to the
request so zealousy urged. / replied that l would
be severely criticised for such audacity. being
an amateur He claimed that the society needed
some one between il and the public.
After several weeks of discussion, I said | would
undertake the office If they would consent four
conditions:
Fist doubling the orchestra, at least never
less than hundred members; second. engaging
most prominent soloists, with liberal compensa
third. holding the concerts in the finest building
in New-Y York. then the Academy OF Music. and.
fourth. extensive publications In the daily papers
The directors promptly agreed TO my propositions
and / assumed the onerous office; l went Eu-
rope, and Mr.. President, IN Edinburgh found
that the eminent chemist; Dr. ,Christison. whose
works toxicoogy I had studied; was president
OF Philharmonic Society. With him consulted
and told of my position in the New York society.
In Paris went to the Conservatory. and had in
terviews with Auber and Ambrose Thomas. for
had hopes we might establish similar fnstitu-
ton in New-York. The Philharmonic Society and
the Academy OF Music. Alas. The latter was only
devoted to opera
Citizens Of New-Tork who have inherited or ao-