The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1903-09-09
Musical Event,

Madame Strauss de -Ahne, and Vic
tor Herbert and his Pittsburg Or
chestra, will appear 10 Morgantown
on the afternoon and evening oil
March I4th, 1904. In the afternoon,
Madame Strauss de Ahne, will give
recital. She will sing her hus.
bands own compositions, and he
will accompany her on the piano.
Madame Strauss has a voice which
the critics pronounce as fine as
Melba's or Nordica's. In the even
ing, the Pittsbnrg Orchestra will
rive {. concert under the direction
Of Strauss. They will play two Of his
symphonic poems. The remainder
Of the program, consisting Of about
ten numbers, will be played under
the direction of Victor Herbert.
The arrangements have been fully
made, and these two great musical
events are certainty.
When Dean Wrightson announc-
ed at the recital early in the summer
that ne would endeaver to get
Strauss and Victor Herberts orehes-
ira. few people regarded the under
taking as more than dream, albeit,
huadreds wished heartily that the
dream might come true. Through
the energy, pluck and enthusiasm
of Dean Wrightson it has been
realized. 1t required good deal
of that valuable quality, usually
called nerve to attempt such a thing
in town of 10000, but the Dean
had it, tackled the proposition and
came out winner.
WHAT IT WILL COST.
What the concert means in the
musical world is little understood
by most people. In the first place
it will cost $225S.40-Dean Wright
son has calculated it TO a penny
to get Strauss and Victor Herbert's
orchestra here. OF this sum, the
people O Morgantown are expected
to contribute $3.50 and the people OF
the state $3.50. The remaining
$75s.40 will be raised from admis-
sions. can Wrightson will under
take to raise the $500. Several
Morgantown men have already sub
scrihed, and nc should receive the
heartiest support from everybody.
WHAT IT MEANss.
1t is a rare distinction for the
University SchooT of Music, the
town, and the state, for that matter,
to have Richard Ssfauss and his
wife here. During their visit. to
America, they will play in only
twenty cities Morganto1a is one
oil these. They will not appear in
more than two cities q any state.
West Virginia is the only southern
state in which they will be heard
The West Virginia University
will he the only university. college
school of music, or similar institu
ton in America that will have them.
This is indeed distinction, and
will give the school of music here
prestige that nothing else could. 1t
viii make it talked of the country
over, and if the building Of great
music school here is matter ofany
moment, the money expended is well
invested.
now THEY WE'RE SECURED.
Dean Wrlghtson has had a secret
hope OF getting Strauss here ever
since it was announced last Noyem-
Der that he would visit America.
Last spring he set about 10 secure
them Several prominent Morgan
towners were consulted, and agreed
ito give some assistance. A few
weeks ago he wrote to Henry Wolf
sohn, who is managing Strauss tour.
Mr.. Wolfsohm is personal friend
of Dear Wrightson, and largely on
this account March I4th was given
10 the University. Stralls' price for
a single performance is $l5S0, but
owing to the friendship referred to
above, he was secured for two per-
iorrn ances for that price.
THE ORCHESTRA.
Last week Dean Wrightson went
to Pittsburg and saw George Will
son, manager OF Herbert's orchestra.
Here again a friendship exists which
came in valuable. Mr.. Wilson con-
sented to nelp. he promised to do
what he could to arrange for the
date, and yesterday sent word that
the orchestra wonld be here for GER
tain 1t was secured at Il greatly
reduced price.
This famous orchestra consists of
81 members. OF these never more
than so have gone on the snad. But
Strauss music cannot be played by
less than 81, and it was finally ar
ranged to bring that number. IL