Evening star., 1902-03-03
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
MR.. DE KOVH TALKS OF THE
NEW oHHANIzATIoN.
Paderewski to H SG1oist at First Con.
cert-subsedrtions Continue
to Gon6e In.

The new Washington Symphony Orches-
ira, whose formation was completed week
ago yesterday, bids tar to become another
musical organiza t1sn a which washington
may well be proud
Several attemptsto form a symphony or
chestra in this city have been made be-
fore, but in no instance did the projectors
start with the necessary financial backing,
and, consequently, after brief existence
they were regarded as failures. Mr.. Regi-
nald de Koven, who has been the moving
spirit In the formation Of the present or
chestra, did not consult the musicians un-
til he was certain Of sufficient financial
backing to last at least through two sea-
sons of concerts. He has eathered about
him some of the best professional musicians
In the District. and will start with force
OF sixty players. Since the organization
was completed Mr.. de Koven has been quite
encouraged by all with whom he has
spoken, and many have voluntarily written
to him expressing qualification at the pros
poets of having n local symphony orches-
ira. some Of them testifying their appre-
cistion In the substantial form of checks.
Mr.. De Koven's Hope.
In speaking to a Star reporter about the
orchestra the other day Mr.. de Koven
said: Il am gratihed at the manner in
hold Of this matter. The members of the
musicians, and when / met them last Sun
day they all appeared to be greatly. inter-
ested In the movement. OF course, it is so
late IN the season we will not be able to
give but one concert before the warm
weather, and that will be some time the
last of April. By that time we will have
had sufficient number of rehearsals to
do good ensemble work, and we ought to
De able to make a good impression upon
the music-loving people of the national
capital have secured the consent of Mr..
Paderewskf, the most eminent pianist now
before the public. to be the soloist on that
occasion, and so shall start under the
most favorable auspices.
In regard to finances we have enough
money pledged now to give seven concerts.
but contributions are still coming in, and
see no reason why those public spirited
citizens who are interested in music and
who can afford to contribute should not be
allowed to do SO, and we may in that way
be able to get a sufficient amount to erect
the long -wished-for and much-desired
music hall. Indeed I have been in con-
sultation with some business men recently,
and If the figures presented to me can be
relied upon site can be secured in a
most desirable locality and the building
erected to contain hall which will seat
1000 people for $15OOO The location sug-
gested is convenient to car lines and the
frontage and depth all that could be re-
quired.
since the announcement Of the organiza-
ton OF the orchestra l have received one
check for $1,000, and, other sums of less
amount have been promised, so you see
that the financial outlook for the future is
very bright"
Other Musical Organizations.
Mr.. de Koven is quite enthusiastic over
this orchestra and is willing to devote his
time and energy to it's successful develop
ment. All lovers of music trust that the
anticipation of success may be realized
Washington is a music-loving city, as is
evidenced by the large attendance at re-
c1talS of visiting artists, whether vocal or
instrumental. There are in this city many
musicians of ability. as is proved by the
successful career of the Georgetown Or
chestra, which is composed largely of ANA
teurs, but whose work has for years COM
pared favorably with many pretentious pro-
fessional organizations. The Rakemann
String Quartet, while not equal to the
knelsel Quartet, has for several seasons
given high order Of chamber music and
has been successful from a, financial stand
point. The Ladies' String Quartet, under
the direction OF Mr.. Ernest Lent, Is a
unique body Of players, which has given
this season some very successful concerts
Both Mr.. Rakemann and Mr. Lent are
members of the new symphony orchestra
the former being the concert master