The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-11
PLANNING FOR 4
 MUSIC FESTN AL
Prospects Bright for Brilliant
 Event In May
DAMR0SCH'S ORCHESTRA
Association Being Formed on Perma- nent Basis for Three Days Fes- tival Annually-Some of the
 interesting Details.

Birmingham will probably have d three days festival next May with Damrosch's orchestra and several high-class solo artists as the chief attractions. A plan. comprehensive and educational in 1 it's scope. is being worked out by a num- Der of public-spirited business men whereby a great festival on a substantial basis will be assured. The project is to hold a great festival annually, to be un- surpassed in the south.
 The Birmingham Music Festival asso- ciatioa will be incorporated not for profit) and at least 1000 shares of stock sold at $10 per share. payable 20 per cent each year for a period of five years. thus assuring the public that the work win be carried on at least for such a term.
 Those who are helping the movement along state it to be their belief that if a festival can be given every spring for five consecutive years it will become so firmly established that the citizens will not allow it to be discontinued, even if it does not become self-supporting in that time, but which, it is thought, it likely will
 Each share of stock carries with it one season ticket to the festival dhree days with five performances and the owner may reserve his or her seat in advance of the general public
 The maximum attendance at the mini mum price is the idea and tickets will be sold to the entire five performances at the low rate of s1. with the privilege of reserving for the season at a small addi- tional cost.
 It is understood that the Treble Clef club always interested in matters musi- cal and feeling a keen interest in the festival. will give it's Nordica concert as the first number of the festival in 1909, with the added attraction of the Damrosch orchestra, and reserved seats will be pro- vided for the clubs subscribers.
 In addition to the famous Nordica. other celebrated soloists will assist, including probably Madam Jomelli, the operatic star, and a piano virtuoso. Reed Miller, formerly of Birmingham, but now of New York and distinguished one of America's greatest teLors. Miss Wander veer, and Gustav Holinqulst are engaged as part of Damn osch's magnificent galaxy for the spring festivals
 A festival chorus of 150 or 20 will be organized immediately after Christmas and rehearse steadily until the festival time. Next year being the one handredth anniversary of Mendelssohns birth. one of the concerts of the festival will be made up largely of Mendelssohn music. Mrs Richard F. Johnston, president of the Music Study club has been chosen as a member of the festival executive committee. and the club at its next meet ing will. 1t is believed, indorse the fes- tival movement.
 Dr. J. H. Phillips and Miss Kitts of the public seaools are taking an active ln- terest, and Miss Kits will likely select some work to be given by the children.
 Prior to the opening festival perform ance a matinee will be given by the or chestra and rendered the pupils absolute ly complimentary.
 J. r. Shelby and others accompanied by Charles Beach. spent a short while yesterday interviewing a few citizens with encouraging results. MT. Beach devotes his entire time in the organizing of these festivals, and is in rather an unique position, as,he is the owner of the Chi cago Symphony orchestra with the we'll known conductor, Adolph Rosenbecl1er. and is manager of Walter Damrosch and the New York Symphony orchestra, di- viding his time between the two organi- cations, keeping MT. Damrosch east of the Mississippi river and MT. Rosenbecker he sends to the Pacific coast now for foutrh time with an orchestra of 65 pieces
 The interest being taken in the Birming ham festival movement is evidenced by the reception which busy men accord the committed The Birmingham Railway. Light and Power company subscribed $500 and other large subscriptions were made yesterday
 Atlanta, Augusta and Louisville are among the southern cities that have booked Damrosch for, festivals next spring.