The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-04-22
MUSICAL EVENTS
OF THE WEEK
TUESDAY EVENING - Benefit
concert for Earl IL. Foster, at
Knickerbacker hall; local artists.
WEDNESDAY EVENING - Reel
tai, piano, Miss Alice Pratt,
Y. w. g. A. assembly hall.
Apollo club concert, Red Wing.
r OW that all the big musical
events Of the season are over,

III events Of the season are over,
"A the question that is asked
more frequently than any other in mu-
steal circles, and especially among
those who have furnished the sinews
of the musical war, is, ''What is to be
the future of the orchestra ~
Some three months or less ago; the
question was sprung in the form of a
newspaper interview, suggesting that a
proper solution Of the matter would be
to have both Minneapolis and st. Paul
unite in supporting one organization
which should play in both cities under
one conductor. Comments pro and con
have been freely passed. Some looked
Oh the proposition in a purely CONNER
cial light. The orchestra would be use
full as an advertising medium largely,
and if it did not bear the name of
Minneapolis or of St. Paul, it would be
yalueless in an advertising aspect to
either city and hence ought not to be
supported.
There are, however, few facts
which ought to be considered outside
of that phase Of the question. The
Minneapolis Symphony orchestra has
been a power for good in this COM
munity. It has done more to cultivate
the musical taste Of the city than al
most any other one agency. 1t has
made it possible to hear the best music,
both in oratorio and eoncertized opera,
as we'll as in the purely instrumental
works. The mighty compositions Of
Beethoven, Brahms, and Tschaikowsky
have been presented in an adequate
manner, and some Of the best Of the
worlds soloists, both instrumental and
vocal, have been brought here under
most favorable auspices.
To be sure, the orchestra has not
been perfect. It's men have not been
able to devote their entire time to the
music. It is a question Of bread and
/ butter to the men who play and to the
man who leads But it has been note
I worthy fact that Emil Oberhofer, who
( has. welded the baton, has accom-
! splished wonders with the material at
hand. His men have won name for
i themselves all over the country. Every
artist who has appeared with the or
ehestra has been surprised and delight
I ed at the support received and the
splendid playing Of the organization.
4 It is an achievement to be proud OF,
i and to Mr.. Oberhoffer belongs large
j share Of the credit.
3 Heretofore the Philharmonic club
1 and the Symphony orchestra have had
4 much in common, but it is rumored
with more or less of truth that this
wear will close the utilization, and that
e hereafter the orchestra will be placed
4 on it's own basis and be entirely sep
arate and distinct. 1t seems pertinent
then, at this time, to breach the sub
iect of Twin City Symphony orches-
4 ira. an organization that should belong
Il to both cities, play for each, and de-
I rive it's support from each. =.
H. What would be the result of such
Z plan? The orchestra would be sup
ported by a center of population nav
/ inc not far from SOC, 900 people, com
| munity abundantly able to support an
orchestra, the equal in personnel OF the
finest in the world. There would be a
complete equipment Of men, sufficient
to perform in a perfect manner any
music written or arranged for; orches
! ira, A series of dual concerts coulo
I he arranged for the two cities, reducing
exnepse for soloists and drawing sup
nort from both cities. Better salaries
could be paid the men, who could de
vote their entire time to the orchestra
work. This would mean better con
!certs, participation with St. Paul II
lall the benefits Minneapolis has re
tceived for the last three seasons, ana
ireduction in the proportional expense
THE Twin City orchestra should be
Icome an accomplished fact, and take ltS
irightful place among the Leading OF
+ ichestras Of the world.
Howard Boardman.