The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-04-13
Site and 100000 to Be
Given by Wealthy
Citizens.
All the Contributions
Must Be in Within
Ten Days.
ImpreSario Promises Fif-
= teen Grand Opera Sub
Scription Nights.

Backed by the money OF the city's
wealthiest men and the influence OF
women most prominent in society, there
IS on foot a plan TO raise a fund Of
SEQ 900 for the erection in Washington
Of an opera house and concert hall
under the direction of Oscar Hammer
stein, OF New York
Mr. Hammerstein has promised to put
in any money naeded in excess Of 500
coo for the completion OF the building
he has stipulated, however, that the
site for the structure must be given in
addition to tie 500 coo.
His plan is to erect an opera house
that VIII contain one large balcony.
seventy-flve bozss. and seating room for
2.oo0 people
Ready for Next Season.
Most surprising OF AL. the people at
the head OF this movement for an Opers
house In this city have said they WI
raise the money for the site and the
building before April p. which is only
ten days on. II this is done. Afr. Ham
merstein viii, according to his proposi-
ton. have the building completed by
next season.
He has also promised 10 give next
season fifteen subscription nights OF
grand opera. one week. in Washing
ton.
Mr. Hammersteln VIII sail for Europe
April 2. The money for the scheme
must be ia hand before that so as TO
enable him 70 make the preliminary
plans for the structure and its erection.
Confident Of Success.
Several weeks ago this plan of raising
money for an opera house was launched
in Philadelphia, with the result that
Philadelphia viii have Il. Those lsehind
the movement here are sure the 10000
and the site for the building will be
raised within the next few days, and
that the National Capital viii lave an
opera house next season
The plans have not so far progressed
yet as to make It known where ne site
may be-
The need for an opera house and con-
cert haI here. is one which has long
been felt. but every plan started, so far.
has come 10 naught for lack OF funds.
Concerts are given in theaters, at the
hour of 4.80 in order to enable
people in the departments to attend. and
they in turn have TO hurry in order to
get there on time; to put the hour later
would interfere with the regular per-
formance at the theaters.
Concert Hour Inconvenient.
On the other hand, the society people
complain they cannot attend concerts
at this hour, as IL interferes with Of
fetal visiting hours, receptions. etc,
which take place from to g. This is
the reason many concerts are so poorly
attended
Washington's opera season is now lin
tied TO three evenings in the season by
the Metropolitan Company. with one
week OF opera in English given by the
Savage Opera Company, and is made
enough stage, proper boxes, seating ca
pacity, and room for a large orchestra
such as is needed for grand opera
Adequate Facilities Needed.
Two weeks ago Mr. Hammerstein was
approached on the subject. and asked if
he would give eight or ten subscription
nights Of grand opera, on Monday even
ings. beginning in January next.
Mr. Hammerstein replied that what was
asked for was possible, all except the
place in which to give the performances.
that il was impossible to secure one
night week from any of the theaters,
owing to their weekly bookings. and if
IT were possible the stages and audi
toriums Of the theateTs here were in
adeQuate for the production of grand
opera as il should be given, ana as il
is given in New York.
Mics Mary A Cryder is repres enting
Mr. Hammerstein here.