The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-05-01
GEORGE B. GoOKINs,
Director "Wednesday Club I

D
Apropos to the Music Festival and the
feast OF good things III the realm Of
harmony it is only natural that the citi-
zens OF Richmond should have reawaken-
ed to the, inadequacy OF the: conditions
under Which these festivals arc given.
Since they have through eleven consecu
tive seasons, become established ms the
grentest musical events CT the year, why
delay longer In providing suitable home
for these grand festivals in which the
people of Richmond take such just PRIDE
Why endure when we can procure.
Why not have an auditorium that would
accommodate at least 5000 people, ana
which would lend dignity to the cons
munity and be a great ornament to our
city? Other cities have their audito-
rioums as a matter OF course. They have
been found to be- exceedingly valuable
factors In a city's growth and culture.
Even the great Chicago auditorium has
been outgrown by the Thomas Orches-
ira and 1t Is now to have n home OF It's
own In a magnificent building built es-
pecially for it.
When the Chicago auditorium was
building it was looked upon by the pub
lie as very risky speculation. NO one
thought 1t would pay interest on. the I'M
mense amount Of money invested. There
was the great hall itself, accommodate
Ing eight thousand; the great stage seat
ing 1000. and constructed In sections
which are operated by 30 miles OF ny
draulo cable. Then the great organ
ono OF the largest In the world, with
152 stops. and containing 1927 pipes
The rest of the building is devoted to
fine recital hall. hotel and offices. 1t
is we'll known fact that the enterprise
was such n complete success that Inc
annex which Is of equa! capacity was
soon afterward built on the opposite
corner and connected by marble tun,
mel under the Street with the original
building Nor has this been sufficient
to meet the demand for year ago q
third building was built and annexed on
Michigan Boulevard front.
That this splendid building has been a
conspicuous factor in the growth and
prosperity of Chicago no one questions
| who Is acquainted with its history. both
| political, social. musical. literary and
religious. The writer was present on the
| night it was dedicated by Nine. Patti and
the superb company Of artists that were
| engaged especially for that OCCASION.
| January /, 1890. Since then 1t has been
the scene of all the greatest gatherings
| in the affairs of the city, many of whicn
were of National Importance. These
| things could not be We're 1t not for their
auditorium. 1t has always been the
] home OF the Theodore Thomas orchestra
/ (Which gives two concerts n week dur
/ ing the entire season.. OF the Chicago
Conservatory OF Music. and on Sundays
| has for years been used for religious wor-
| ship.
Kansas city has Its great convention
/ hall. seating 10000 people, and annually
gives great festival with chorus OF
700 to 1000 voices under the able direc-
ton OF Carl Busch.
ST. Louis has The odeon. the direct
product OF tho energy and enthusiasm OF
Homer Moore, the then leading vocal
teacher of the Worlds Fair city. This
also contains studios, Offices recital hall,
etc.. and the great hall is used Sundays
by the Christian Scientists.
But why take time to go on citing
parallel Instances where a great hall has
been found to be q necessity. as well as
n great success in other cities? Ger
tainly nothing could be more apparent
than the necessity of such u building in
this city OF culture and refinement. With
a great auditorium. all roads would lead
10 Richmond-the most conspicuous city
of the South.
New who will he the leader OF this en-
terprise? The time Is now ripe for ac-
ton. II steps are taken at once. Il great
| festival could be inaugurated for next
! year with greatly augmented chorus
and orchestra, and some OF the worlds
great stars The world Is not standing
still. Why not Richmond next?
GEORGE, r. GOOISINS.