Evening journal., 1919-03-28
WILMlNGTOkIlNS At.
splendid CONCERT.
Wanamaker Great Organ
and Philadelphia Orches-
ira Play Together
WlDOR'S SYMPHONY
THEIR MASTERPIECE

Numerous Wilmingtonlans attended
the wonderful concert in the Grand
Court Of John Wanamakers store in.
Philadelphia last night In annals Of
music that concert OF the Wanamaser
great organ and the Philadelphia Or
chestra ranks as one OF the most con-
spicuous events, not only in Philadel-
phia but the nation, for it was national
IN character. Three superlatlyes were
Joined in the occasion; namely, the
greatest organ, the greatest orchestra
and the greatest audience Of musicians
and patrons of music.
As to the organ and orchestra there
IS no doubt they are at present the
greatest in the world, and it is more
than probable Il was the largest musi-
cally trained audience ever assembled
under one roof. 10 was spread out on
the first six floors Of the great store,
numbered more than 10000 and hun
dreds Travelled hundreds Of miles. All
large cities Of the East were repre-
sented by scores OF their leading mu-
sicians.
John Wahamaker arranged the con-
cert in connection with the March
anniversary celebration Of the Wana-
maker house Of business in its nifty
e.ghth year, that lovers Of symphony
might have opportunity OF hearing the
Ofgan and orchestra together.
Belgian Musician at Organ
Charles COurboin, formerly 0Tganist
IN the Antwery Cathedral. Belgium, was
organist, and the orchestra was con-
iucted by its director, Dr. Leopold
stokowski, who had just recovered
from illness that prevented him lead
ing in Wilmington ON Monday night
last
A more disagreeable evening could
Tot have occurred TO mar the attend
ance OF any function, but the weather
cast no perceptible cloud upon this
one. Admission was by ticket
The show cases and counters were
removed from the Grand Court on the
first floor and from the space adjacent
to the marble railings on the next eve
doors. Chairs were packed into these
spaces as closely as comfort would
allow.
Reservations were made for guests
Of Rodman Wanamaker. who took the
place OF his distingu's shed father as
chairman OF the exercises. but other
wise the rules Of frst come first served
was followed in the seating arrange
ments.
ROdman Wanamaler is Host.
Preliminary to the concert the
guests Of honor Of the evening were
quests OF Rodman Wanamaker at din
ser in the Crystal Tea Room. The
.oom was handsomely decorated with
days and flowers.
Wanamaker's Orchestra, hidden be
hind screen. gave a program OF
rlass'c airs during the dinner. II
was an Informal affair. As guests for
me dinner arrived at the Juniper street
entrance they were met by one or
more members OF the store reception
committee and conducted to the Crys-
tal Tea Room. where a half hours in
termingling among those who knew
one another was had, or a general
round Of introductions made
Mr.. Wanamaker, escorting Mrs. Leo
mold stokowski. led the way TO the
tables and after all were seated and a
Kindergarten had shot OF his lash
light Mr.. Wanamaker signaled 10 some
pne in the backround, and nolselessly
battalion Of Mattresses came forward
10 serve. After the last course, MT.
Wananlaker made a brief address, ana
presented Mrs. Stokowski, Mrs. Mar
tlnelli. Miss Mary Nogt, the regular or
Vanist OF the store, and Mr.. CourDoin
With gifts, as remembrances OF the
evening.
.This IS a very great pleasure Tor
me-" said Mr.. Wanameker. Il cannot
tell YOU, my friends. how honored
am 10 represent this store on this oc-
,aslon. regret very deeply the
founder Of this great business is not
here this evening. / am trying as
best | can TO take his place, but IL
cannot be done"
"This is a new epoch in the history
of Philadelphia and the musical world
n is not my purpose to say very much'
or attempt to exploit our great organ
We are here, rather, to see how mucii
farther we have TO go in making II
stil greater, in giving It the fullest
capacity Il can stand. a.,
1T was the greatest organ In the
world when it was placed in position az
the st. Louis Exposition. We sent ouI