The Indianapolis journal., 1903-04-19

voices formed by the Muncie Musical Fes-
tival Association. will be heard IN both OF
the evening programmes. The chorus has
been well organized and the spirit OF har-
mony earnestness and sincerity of purpose
has characterized its every effort from the
first rehearsal up TO the present time. The
philharmonic orchestra OF Muncie, com
posed OF both professional and amateur
musicians, with Alfred Damn as director,
will be heard the first evening Of the feSti-
val, the vocal soloists on this occasion be-
ing Mary Hissem De Moss, soprano. and
Joseph S. Barenstein, basso The Pittsburg
Orchestra, one OF the finest musical organi-
cations in the world. will play at both the
afternoon and evening concerts on Friday
and the programmes offered are such as
should attract every music lover In the
State. The orchestra will, as usual, be con-
Quoted by Victor Herbert, the famous d.
rector 'cellist and composer. The soloists
for the matinee programme will be Sue
Harrington Furbeck, soprano; Henri Mer-
rick, 'cellist: Elsa Won Grave-Jonas. plan
ist and Anna Bussart, soprano. In the
evening the soloists will be Luigi Won ku-
nits, violinist; Mary Hissem De Moss. So
r. Duff. basso. Rossini's beautiful "Stabat
Mater will be given as the grand finale OF
the festival. with the Pittsburg Orchestra.
the Muncie Philharmonic Orchestra, the
soloists and the grand chorus participat-
ing, and this portion OF the festival should
be worth going miles 10 hear. There will be
special rates from Indianapolis 10 Muncie
over all steam and electric roads and low
ers of music will do well 10 avail them
selves OF this opportunity TO enjoy one or
the really notable musical events of the
spring in Indiana.
Contracts were signed in New York a few
days ago for the production on May 3 OF
a new comic opera. The Wood Witch"
composed by Albert Mildenberg. libretto by
willard Holcombe, with Helena Frederick.
formerly prima donna OF The Emerald
Isle" in the title role. Mr.. Mildenberg has
heretofore been known as a concert pianist,
having been a pet pupil OF Rafael Josefy.
and as a composer OF songs which have
found great favor i'm concerts as well as in
operas in which they have been interpo-
lated. He has also figured as musical di-
rector. and his choral and orchestral ar
rangements have been much In demand
He has composed and produced several one
act operas. but this Is his first essay 10
combine his experiences in all these varied
fields in the production OF a three-act piece.
His cola borator. willard Holcomb. Is best
known for his metrical version OF Grin
goire." music by Julian Edwards. which
was successfully produced In London last
spring. and his comedietta. Her Last Re-
hearsal." which has been played for five
seasons. Recently Mr.. Holcomb has turned
his attention 10 hbretto writing. and has
adapted two operas from the Hungarian.
which the Witmarks have placed for pro-
duction next season. Both composer and
librettist OF THE Wood Witch" are Amer
leans and natives OF New York, Mr.. Mil
denberg having been born and bred In
Brooklyn, while Mr.. Holcomb halls from
''old Broome." although he spent seven
years as musical and dramatic editor OF
the Washington Post.
Mr.. Duss has just sent out printed an
nouncements OF the coming tour OF the
Metropolitan Opera House Orchestra. &c
companied by Nine. Nordica. Eduard de
Reszke. Nine. Louise Homer. signor Cam
panari and sienor scotti Although the
musical editors OF the Indianapolis nsuz-