The Washington times., 1904-04-17

son the Washington public will appre-
ciate TO what perfection the orchestra
has attained. ana viii attend the per
forma noes more generally because OF
the certainty of qualification ." This
opinion has been verified. The regular
subscription for the first season was
less than 500 per concert but the regu-
lar subscription for the second SYM
phOny season Is over 81 100 per concert
The average total receipts during the
first season per concert We're about
1920, whereas this season the average
total receipts. for the regular concerts.
are nearly Sl.700.
This orchestra has been OF the great
est benefit. not alone to our citizehs
generally, but TO Washington's profes-
sional musicians. The history OF SYM
phony orche stras elsewhere shows them
IN every instance 10 be an expensive
luxury. II may be as well to explain
sary Tor our symphony concerts. In its
present musical condition Washington
cannot assimilate more than a given
number Of concerts of this class of
music, which has been so far found to
be five. These concerts must be dis
tributed through the entire sea son. ana
IN order TO give them IL is necessary
10 bring certain musicians TO Washing
ton. who must have a regular guar
anteed weekly salary. This increases
the expenses so enormously in proper
ton 20 the number OF concerts given.
| Jhat even were every seat in the house
sold for each performance, there would
still remain a considerable dehcit. and
| II is to cover this that a guarantee fund
Is necessary. II is TO be hoped thai
III the course of years. as Washington
| grows, by careful administration of the
| finances and by increasing the number
| of concerts, this deficit can be mater
! ially reduced. When the orchestra is
| on such a basis that it can travel and
| give concerts elsewhere. il is reasona BILE
| 10 anticipate that it can pay it's own
| expenses.
In presenting these few facts. I must
| not forget to lay stress upon the debt
! OF gratitude which all those who are
/ interested In music in the National Can
/ ital owe TO Mr.. DeI<oven. It is entirely
/ due TO his energy influence and untir-
/ ing devotion that the orchestra exists
! today. He has given his time usel
4 hshly. not only TO the musical part al
| the orchestra but has personally super
! zation and administration. Without any
| thought of remuneration of any kind
1 whatsoever he has devoted himself
J freely i'm the various fields of Ia bOr inst
| that the orchestra could not thave con-
/ tinued without his public-spirited devo-
] ton.
| Recognizing the absolutely artistic
value of the orchestra. as shown by its
! concerts and recognizing the fact that
! the Capital of the Nation should have
| a permanent body of this sort, and fur
| Their that its continuance may lead tC
/ important musical developments Of z
/ national character. such as a national
| conservatory of musician institution
/ much needed-on behalf of the commit
/ tee / invite the general DuDllc 10 support
| the committee in its endeavor to place
] this orchestra on a permanent footing
/ The whole music-loving public Should
/ have ar interest in this movement. dn6
/ therefore the support must IN the enc
/ depend on the general public. No sun
J is too small to show that interest. and
! therefore ! wish to give notice that sub,
Scription lists for the guarantee fund
| have been opened at my place Of bust
ness. 925 PENNSYLVANIA Avenue, are
| also at Smiths. at 1927 r Street.
In conclusion l will say that all tho
| guarantees expire this season. and Il
| therefore aAecomes necessary to rails,
I this fund Immediately il the orchestri
| is toacOntinue at all. / must know 10y
the LIST OF May what amount l will hav,
I at my disposal for next seasons work
! To continue properly. we must have
guarantee fund of at least $1,000; more
| ambitious plans have been outlined fol
| next season. which means more orchcs
tral music for Washington. I will oper
! the subscription list for seats for mex
seasons concerts Monday morning al
| our place o. buinCss. and / beg 10 cal
| the attention of the public 10 our adver
! tisement in your regular ad columns
giving details respecting prices. dates
| etc, for neXtNyear's work. ] can only
! say that everybody who has an interes
! should contribute whatever amount they
can-no matter how small-fOr failure q
provide this fund sounds the death knel
| OF orchestral music i'm Washington 70.
| many years TO come.
| / thank you for the many kind crit
| ciSms and notices Of our work. which
have appeared in your valued columns
and remain. dear sir,
Very truly yours,
+. II. DROOP.
Treasurer Washington symphony or
] XVas6ivcto,, A,,rfl tc