Evening star., 1925-08-30

The encouraging part about COM
ments so far made is that those who
are actively engaged as directors of
choirs and choral societies. in so far as
they have expressed opinions in the
matter of the festival, have pledged
wholehearted support to the move
ment.
The type of musician who will make
the festival the great success that il
will be Is earnest in the love of the
art. To such the ability to interpret
music and to give expression to the
notes is held as a God.given talent, to
be used to the best interests of fellow
men. Petty jealousies are beneath
them. They will Loyalty go on with
their work. hoping perhaps for the
honor of leading upon the final night,
but intent mainly in preparing to per-
lection the group that is already
under their charge, and the final de-
cision as TO the director will bring no
childish cry of II won't play"
1t is encouraging that no i'll feeling
has cropped out.
There seems q general opinion ex.
pressed by many that the program
should be Washington; that within
the limits of the city will be found
all that is needed for direction and for
solo work; that no necessity will be
found to look elsewhere for aid in
staging the great five-day program at
present suggested.
II might be we'll that this sug-
gestion be adopted. Numbered among
Washingtons soloists, both vocal and
instrumental, are many who would
have a far greater national recogni-
tion were their talent really exploited.
The reasons for this failure to pursue
career are individual and varied,
but the lack of career in no way
diminishes the ability to perform. 1t
would crafty to the utmost the civic
pride of the citizens of the Capital
il the entire program should be given
by Washingtonians.
Another good reason for this policy
lies in the question of finance. The
first year of the festival would natur-
ally be set about with considerable
ineXperience. Just what the costs
would total would be difficult of de-
termination in advance. 1t might be
wise to avoid, at least for the first
year. the expense of bringing In the
high-paid stars Of the music world.
This. of course. makes an exception
of the opera performances. for these
would almost require for success the
engaging of persons experienced in
the roles of the operas chosen.
*# v X
While on the subject Of finances,
many suggestions have been received
as to the proper method of raising
the necessary money to meet the ex-
penses of the festival. These have
varied from proposals for a charge
for each performance ample to meet
all the costs to proposals that an eff
fort be made to have wealthy people
guarantee the costs. with no admis-
sion charges.
Other suggestions, and they seem
best, are compromises between these
extremes. The general opinion is that
in order to make the organization per-
manent, bringing about an assurance
of festival as an annual climax to
the music of each year from this time
on, definite body should be formed,
composed of active and associate
members, to conduct the festival. In
the class of active members would be
included only those actually taking
part in the programs as performers.
In the other or associate group
would be included those who would
lend the necessary assured patronage
that would meet the greater part of
the costs of the festival. To these
persons in exchange for their annual
dues would be given reserved seats at
the various performances upon the
festival program. After they had
been supplied with seats the remain
der could be turned over to the general
public at a nominal charge that would
place no undue financial hardship
upon the heads of families who would
like TO be present at the greater
part or all of the programs.
FREQ programs have been found, as
usual thing. to lose attractiveness,
while a small charge gives feeling of
inaeSsnCeuce " the auditor that per-