The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-05-28

terrupted, thereby contributing so
much to the pleasure. culture and
refinement of our people.
But 1t has not always been easy
for the board of governors to pro-
vide ways and means to continue thfs
work. and just a few years ago the
question was seriously debated
whether it would not be wise for the
club to suspend work for several
years, hoping that after the lapse OF
that time, the public would snow
greater interest. However, this sug-
gestion was not in line with the Rich
mond way~-that is, to do things ana
never become discouraged. ana an
stead of suspending the work. 1t was
decided to raise larger sums or
money with the view of making the
concerts more artistic. attractive ana
entertaining, thereby providing a SUI
ficient sum of money to conduct the
educational work of the club, when
is largely the work of the chorus.
am glad to say shat the new plan
has succeeded. and while we are YET
carrying a deficit of $1,000, losses sHs~
tanned several years age, our receipts
for the last two festivals we've about
sufficient 10 pay the expenses, and as
the club IN not In the field 10 make
amply rewarded for their efforts. and
are proud Of the fact that We have.
at last, reached the point where re-:
ceipts Will r1eet expenses, This sat-
sfaction on the part of the board.
however. does not mean that greater
efforts will not be put forth each and
every year for bigger and better fes~
rivals. appropriating an amount sur
ficient for the careful training Of the
chorus, and bringing artists of great
or renown To take part in tho Non~
certs.
In my report last June. recon-
mended that the time had come when
we should take up II mldwtnter con-
cert. This suggestion met with tha
hearty approval Of the board Of gev-
ernors AMI the chorus. and IN pecein-
Der, at the City auditorium. with ths
assistance Of the Philharmonic or~shes
ira, the chorus rendered the Messiah
In most creditable manner ! re-
greet to say. however, that tho public
did not respond as had been expect
ed and this indifference reflected con-
sfderabiy on the receipts from the
sale Of tickets, the amount received
being s234.0e. with expenses s5e9.14.
AS stated. the work was spleDdidiy
rendered. the concert we'll advertised,
and Vet there was hardly corporate
49, A''fSFS
OF the six months allowed for re-
hearsal work. about three months was
devoted 10 the Messiah, leaving quite
a short period 10 prepare the chorus
for the spring concerts. Neither the
board of governors nor the chorus
have any regrets for having UNDER
taken this work from the standpoint
of time devoted to II, nor loss of
money. but to regret the Indifference
OF the public in not showing a greater
interest by their presence.
I would suggest that efforts he
made to increase the subscription list
to seven hundred, which will give a
sufficient sum of money to insure an
ample amount for local purposes and
for the engagement of the best or
chestra and artists, leaving a balance
sufficient TO pay the present debt OF
the club.
While on this subject, | would like
to make n personal appeal to the
public to sign subscription cards and
send them to the secretary at once.
by so doing the board of governors
will have an opportunity to secure
first choice Of available artists
I also recommend that commit
tee of five be appointed from the club
to investigate and ascertain II II IL
practical to start n movement at this
time for new auditorium, and II It
is found impracticahle at this time.
and that Il will be necessary 10 wait
several years for the commencement
of such a building. that this commit
tee will take steps TO secure an ap-
preparation to be used In building
dressing rooms. boxes. and extending
the galleries of our present aud to-
rum. together with other improves
nfents.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN G. CORLEY.
President tha "Wednesday CT,7h