The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-04-24
TO MEET AT HOME
The National Federation of Mu-
steal Clubs in May
Will Assemble in Sixth Biennial
Session at Grand Rapids.
HEREIT WAS FOUNDED
By Mrs. Theodore Thomas, Wife
Orchestra Leader.
Three Big Prizes Hung Up for
Composers of Music.

Grand Rapids, Mich, April 24.-No
movement in musical circles over the
entire country is attracting so much
attention as the approaching festival
of the National Federation of Musical
clubs, to be held in this city May "a
29. The officers and various COM
mitteeS under the direction of the
president, Mrs. C. B. Kelsey of this
city, are bending every energy to
make the approaching event the
greatest of its kind ever held. An I'M
usually attractive program has been
arranged for the six days of the con-
Vention, in addition to the business of
the organization to be transa cted and
instructive and educational papers to
DE read by the most prominent mu-
sicians in America.
The idea of a national federation
originated during the Chicago Worlds
fair. when Mrs. Theodore Thomas,
wife of the famous orchestral con-
ductor. had gathered together repre-
SentativeS of various women's musi
cal clubs for a festival. The interest
on this occasion was so great that a
desire for a permanent organization
was aroused. Mrs. Edwin F. Uhl, of
this city, introduced a set of resolu-
tions to this effect, which were unan-
tmously adopted
The permanent organization was
accomplished at meeting held in
81 nicago in January, 1898, upon invita-
: lion of the Amateur Musical club of
that city. The first biennial was held
in st. Louis the following year and
met with enthusiastic support by mu-
sic lovers over the entire country.
The Second Biennial.
In 1901 the second biennial was
held in Cleveland, Ohio, upon invita-
ton of the Fortnighty Musical club.
This meeting showed that the FEEDER
NJ 1aa6 1,o1 IT,. |,
during the two years preceding. Good
programs were given by the leading
musicians of the country, such as the
Pittsburg orchestra, Fanny Bloomfield
zeisler. Madame -Heink
and Others.
The third biennial was held in
Rochester, n. Y, two years later and
the enthusiasm of the previous meet
ings continued. Unusually strong mu-
steal numbers were rendered by the
American Symphony orchestra, Ger
trude May Stein and various represen-
tatives of the federated clubs
The fourth biennial was held in
Denver in June. 1905. An suspicious
gathering resulted and the entertain
ment was of no less an suspicious
character. The musical features of
the week were interesting in the ex-
IRENE. Th artists provided by the
Hostess club were of the highest rank,
including the Olive Mead String quar-
tet The program by the Denver mu-
sicians gave inspiration to all, espec-
tally the concert by the Tuesday Mus
zeal chorus. A charming entertain
ment was enjoyed at the home of Mrs.
w. H. Blayney, whose pipe organ and
concert grand piano both contributed
largely to the pleasure of her guests.
Met at Memphis.
The fifth biennial was held at Mem
phis, on invitation of the Beethoven
club. Southern hospitality has surely
mover been moro lavishly displayed
than this occasion. Each day of
the biennial week was filled with OPP
portunities for the most delightful
pleasure. both musical and social
Among the many delightful were the
reception. with literary program, Civ
en- by the Women's club at the fine
old southern mansion of the club
president, Mrs. Daniel Grant. and the