The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-11-27

&The famous band of the guard of the French republic which has been touring the United States for sometime will visit Birmingham in January It Is com posed of 60 odd members and has been peared.
 The Russian Symphony orchestra, de- servedly popular in Birmingham, where it was conspicuous on the programme of the musical biennial in 1917 and where it gave delightful concert last April, is planning a southern tour for the early spring of 1919. Its bookings will doubt less include this city.
 Frank J. olbert of New York. violon- cellist, has been added to the Wiegand ensemble at the Tutwiler. He filled two years engagement at the Hotel Van derbilt and was also in demand for chamber music performance. His coming is regarded as a great acquisition to Birmingham's musical forces
 The fact that Birmingham had a hotel spacious enough to stage so large an or chestra as that from the Paris conserv- atory and to seat with the utmast com fort an immense audience is being most favorably commented upon in New York and other eastern cities. The appearance of the orchestra here on the 14th of November will long be recalled as red letter event artisticaly, socially and fi- nancially.
 Birmingham suffers for the lack of an auditorium The ladies of the Music Study club endeavored to secure one of the theatres for the Paris artists and falling in, that an effort was made to se- euro the largest church in town, but it was not available. Contracting Agent Henri Gressitt, who had spent several days here to no purpose. was just about to move on." When he expressed his disappointment to John Wiegand, leader of the music at the Tutwiler, the lat ter said: How about having the con cert here in this hoteI?" MT. Gressitt jumped at the idea. Tt will be an ideal place." he remarked. He lost no time in seeing Manager Fred B. Shireman. Af- ter explaining the situation to the public spirited hotel man, consent was prompt ly given. The Tutwiler might be used and without any charge.
 This arrangement was made on the night of Friday, November 1. But even then MT. Gressitt's worry was not over. On Saturday the Music Study club, un- der whose auspices the orchestra was to appear hesitated on the ground that an adequate seating scheme might not be feasible. The proposition was virtually off. In the afternoon of that day. when MT. Gressitt was getting ready to leave for New Orleans and wipe the dust of Birmingham from his feet, he exclaimed to a man who loved music and who had been active in the past in promot- ing big festivals, My heavens! Is there no man here who can put this thing over?'
 Yes, there Is man and perhaps only one," said the music lover, 'who can take hold of an enterprise at the elev- enth hour and make 1t a success.
 His name is J. H. Hoicombe He Is a very busy man, but if he can spare the time, he will be glad to contribute his services. Let's go to see him. He is business man of experience in concert management and of quick decision. You will have his answer in less than five minutes" And so 1t turned out.
 In about three minutes after an intro- duction, MT. Holconlbe said: T am up to my neck in work, but Birmingham's rep utation as musical center Is at stake and feeling a pride in the city, I will undertake the venture. The Tutwiler is the very place for the entertainment I'll get the cooperation of the Music Study club and we will make the concert the biggest social and musical event of the season..
 MT Gressitt, heartened and satisfied l left the matter in MT. Holcombes hands and went on his way rejoicing. When 1 MT. Holcombe went before the members |, of the board of the Music Study club | and told them what he had done and | asked them to help make the affair | success. his confidence and enthusiasm | had the effect of an inspiration He | gave the ladies the option of taking the | concert over. which they readily accepted. |
 The rest of the story is well known to l the public. Not only were the seating ar | perfect but the high school | ushers who volunteered for the occasion l surpassed themselves. Never was vast | audience seated with 80 little delay or confusion. MT. Holcombe. MT. Burton and MT. Shireman were tireless in their work of ''door-keeping'' and handling the 
 Birmingham will need an auditorium until the one projected is built, but as far | ss concerts go. the Tutwiler will always | te available. Under the circumassgees, | tas happy termination of the rsaSis Nr- |
 ssra affair was big advcEtis ne faf l9irmingham