The Washington times., 1902-09-21

Now that the musical season Is again
at hand, resident music lovers are be-
ginning to discuss the probability or i'm
probability of concerts by the Washing
! ton Symphony Orchestra. Everybody re-
members the brilliant debut of the Sym
phony Orchestra last March. at the Ma
tional Theater, when Paderewski was
the soloist and all musica, Washington
the audience. Since that time, however.
| the management of the organization has
been having It's troubles with the mu-
sical union, which objected to the en-
gagement of members of the United
States Marine Band for the orchestra.
AS matter of fact. there are certain
musical instruments necessary to the
makeup of symphony orchestra which
are not played sufficiently well by any
local musician other than members OF
the Government band And there is the
hitch. 1t either means the engagement
of these musicians, the elimination of
the instruments, or the expense OF hiring
players from other cities. Just wha.
hard to tell, but the musical public o:
Washington will regret to learn that the
orchestra will not hold together, and
certainly II it lies in the power Of it's
management such an ultimatum will not
be forthcoming
The cry has gone up that the Boston
Symphony Orchestra refuses to include
Washington in its list 0f cities to be
visited. That should not be source of
grief to the local public. Washington
has survived the blow caused by this
announcement, and seems likely to 20
on in its smooth. even way as Of yore.
The Boston organization was wont to
come here and charge all kinds of prices
for admission to its concerts. The
musically inclined public could not nay
it. The fact that all Washington does
not charter the cars Of the PennsyI-
vapia Railroad and dash over to Balti-
more every time the orchestra visits
that city is no sign that the people here
are not musical
Local choirs have undergone the pre-
dicted changes, and last week rumors
and facts were freely circulated. Wheth-
er the changes will be permanent re-
mains-to be seen.
One of the most important OF the
year was the resignation of Mr.. Charles
F. Roberts as bass soloist OF St. Johns
Church, Sixteenth and H Streets. Mr..
Roberts has accepted similar position
at st. Marks Pro-Cathedral, Capitol
Hill. His engagement there will be very
gratifying to st. Marks congregation.
as Mr. Roberts formerly sang in the
choir and has participated in many en-
tertainments given for the church. Mr.
Roberts has baritone voice Of much |
strength, purity and sweetness, and is
recognized as one of the best vocalists |
in Washington His long association
with local choirs has rendered him a |
valuable acquisition to the one with
which he is affiliated and st. Marks is
to be congratulated upon securing his |
services.
Inc pOSItiOu al JOuu WHICH was
left vacant by Mr.. Roberts retirement
has not yet been filed.
Mr.. John Finnegan has been engaged
as tenor soloist at st. Johns vice Mr
AL Mosher. resigned. Mr.. Mosher has
been engaged for the quartet at Rock
Creek Church.
Mr.. Frank Reach. tenor and choir
master at st. Margaret's Church, has
rendered his resignation. and will retire
from musical work. Mr.. Roach has been
associated with ST. Margarets choir for
two years. and has brought it up to its
.RT DRAWING