The Washington times., 1902-02-16
Guarantee Fund for Perma-
nent Symphony
Orchestra.
CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS OF PLAN
Believes Washington viii
Welcome Enterprise.
MUSICIANS VERY ENTHUSIASTIC
Never Before Has There Been Such
Good Promise for Similar Or
ganization Scbumamn- HeinE md
Suzanne Adams Coming.

At a meeting of a dozen or so of the
most prominent of the Capitals must
clans. held at the Columbia Theatre Fri
day, Reginald de Koven made the pleas
ing announcement that for the purpose of
a permanent symphony orchestra he has
been promised a guarantee fund OF $40. 900.
The meeting, which was called at the
instance of Mr., De Koven, discussed the
possibilities of organizing such a perma
nent orchestra, and it was expressed that
not only was it possible TO secure sixty
capable musicians but it is quitely likely
that q Washington symphony orchestra
will be rehearsing within a few weeks.
The committee TO compile list OF the
eligible musicians of the District will
make its report during this week, and if
the matter OF labor unionism is eliminated
from the project as it's promoters are
determined it shall lie. the personnel of
the organization viii be quickly settled
upon.
Funds Are Essential.
At the meeting at the Columbia it was
developed that many musicians deem that
their services should bring 81 for every
rehearsal. Mr.. Schroeder was the only
person who had talked with the musicians
concerning the remuneration for these
rehearsals, but this was the price gener-
ally mentioned by the players OF instru-
ments. With an orchestra of sixty and
with eight rehearsals. as will be abso-
lutely necessary, especially at the be-
Oil
will have to be met for the services of
The members of the orchestra at the con-
ceTts, it was easily seen that the plan
would be of benefit to no one but the
musicians themselves, as it would be out
of the question to expect the receipts to
come anywhere near TO paying the ex-
penses. Mr.. Haley expressed the senti-
ment Of the better class of lovers of mu-
sic when he stated that the musicians
should take as much pride in the object
as the subscribers to the SIC, 600 guarantee
fund
Anyway. the prospects are decidedly
bright that Mr.. De Koven's symphony or
chestra project will soon be a reality
and, backed with such a substantial guar
antee fund, there is no reason why il
should not succeed. and especially as so
many OF the musicians of the city are
highly enthusiastic over the scheme.
Mr.. De Koven Enthusiastic.
Mr. De Kcyen was seen YESTERDAY at
his home by a reporter for The Times.
he was enthusiastic over the new organi-
cation.
When Maid Marian was produced here
some weeks ago the audience was gener-
Gus enough TO demand a speech frcm me.
and in 1t l said that l was happy TO have
become identified with the residents of
Washington, AMI, inasn.uch as they had
been kind enough 10 think well OF my
opera, l hoped to do something for the
musical advancement of the Capital
One man accused me of being 'hu-
morous in M remarks. or. at least, in
the part of the sceech which | have
quoted, and l told him afterward that
if the opportunity only half way present
ed Itself / would prove TO him that
meant all l said. The opportunity has
come, and am ready to do all in my pow
er toward the forma ion OF this orchestra.
Lnck of Good Music Here.
There is a lamentabIe lack of good
music here during the winter. and only
because everyone has waited for some
body else to make the necessary move to
better affairs. First of all. one needs
money. Nothing can be done without
that, bet was sure that if we could get
the musicians consent to do their part
the financial backing would be there. The
plan has been tried before. yes. But in
most cases the venture has rested on
rather uncertain fpaciaI basis. The ma
terial Is here. Why not utilize it? There
are experienced and thoroughly capable
musicians in Washington who are either
fddling away their time in theatre orches-
tras or wearing out body and soul teach
ing, and to what end? They gain ncAhing
artistically and little more pecuniarily.
Believes Success Is Assured.
IF permanent orchestra, such as we
want could be formed here it would not
only give the musicians themselves an
opportunity TO put their time and talent
10 some account, but it would also afford
the local public a chance to hear the
best music written. and presented by an
organization of finished players. We be-
lieye that the way is clear now and that
the plan may be carried to success.
Many Things to lie Considered.
VI course there were many things to
be considered. We could not go to the
musicians and request them as a favor
and for arts sake TO go into Z thing of
this sort without some hope of remunera-
tion. Neither could We go to any man
or woman, who might be suggested as
probable hacker. and ask them to give
their names TO II unless the musicians
had been practically secured. But both
have, might say, agreed to do their
part. and within slprt time, if moth
ing unforeseen happens. Washington will
have d symphony orchestra Of its own.
baltimore Ahead of the Capital.
Baltimore supports a season of sym
phony concerts every year, and it seems
strange if Washington would not do the
same. When the musicians come into the
orchestra they come in as individuals and
not as members Of any musical organiza
ton or club of any kind. And it stands
TO reason that no order would raise the
least objection TO an organization which
has the advancement of art SO much in
mind.
AT the meeting last Friday commit
tee was appointed which includes Mr..
Chris Arth, leader OF he National Theatre
Orchestra; Mr.. Sol Minister. OF the Co
Iumbia Mr. Victor johnson, of the La
fayette Square; Mr. Herman Rakemann,
Mr. William II. Santelmann, leader of the
Marine Band, and Mr.. John Schroeder. An
other meeting will be held Tuesday at the
Columbia when definite steps viii be
taken toward the formation of the orches-
ira.
THE musicians applications will be re-
ceivad and the orchestra will be drafted