Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-30
SUNDAY SYMPHONY CONCERTS.
MI. De Koven's View of the Local
Musical ISSUE

To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
1 note with deepest interest an article
which appeared in your valued paper of
March "a, in which mention is made of a
meeting of the archdeaconry of the Episco-
pal Church in Washington, at which certain
resolutions were passed in support of the
attitude taken by the Rev. Drs. Mckim and
Harding in reference to the series of Sun
day evening concerts now being given by
the Washington Symphony Orchestra to
promote and develop the cause of good
music in Washington. AS the discussion in
regard to this matter seems to have mar
rowed down to personal one between my
self, as conductor of the orchestra, and the
different members of various denominations
who have, as I believe sincerely thought it
we'll to object TO them, ] feel that 1 have
the right in defense of the position l have
taken to be heard in this matter as well as
my directors, in the columns of The Star.
/ have sent this day a letter to the Ven
DIR. Williams, archdeacon of Washington,
asking for official notification of the action
taken at the meeting of the archdeaconry
ON the 22d instant.
In view of the very definite position taken
by Drs McI<im and Harding in opposing
these Sunday concerts, the meeting of the
archdeaconry and the resolution passed
thereat in support of the views advanced by
these gentlemen was perfectly logical; but
might III ITlS connection De pertinent to
inquire whether If a meeting of so grave
and reverend a body was found necessary
In the matter, under the circumstances 1t
was not evidently the opinion of that body
that the reverend gentlemen in question
stood in pressing need of the support
, Liberty OF thought and action, which we
all enjoy in this country, are popularity
supposed to, renders it competent for any
man to have his opinions and act upon
them; but does not necessarily allow him to
impose those opinions upon others who may
differ with him, and l therefore hold that
In the position l have taken / should not
he considered necessarily antag onistic to
those whose sincere judgment differs from
mine.
I In view Of the letter from parishioner
published in your paper by the archdeacon-
ry evidently with a view to indicate popu-
lar feeling and sympathy with their views.
l would say that the action of the arch
deaconry suggests to me strongly that fable
OF Aesop's of the mountain in labor which
brought forth Il mouse.
I should judge further. from this letter
that there was no instant and crying protest
from the members of the various Episcopal
congregations i'll Washington, Which num-
Der several thousands, when to support the
views of the archdeaeonry one letter from
a lady no longer residing here was publish
ed as indication of popular opinion in
Washington
/ will say further in regard to this letter.
that 1t is prejudced cnd untrue represen-
tation of facts; in support of which state
ment inclose herewith program of the
concert referred to, given upon Easter Sun
day OF last year. which, may be seen, by
no meape consisted as stated in this letter,
exclusively of dance music, but was in every
way a dignified program of high-class music
which 1t would do no one any harm to hear
on any day Of the week. 1t Is quite true
that Mr.. APP Thomas, soloist OF the occasion
who, il remember Alright, Is by profession
a Christian Scientist objected to playing
what he called secular music on Sunday;
this being the case he was given free choice
only believe that the fantasy on Welsh airs
which he performed on that evening" in
Guiding the March OF the Men of Harlech,
was regarded by him es sacred music. To