Evening star., 1933-08-06

Last season there was every reason to
be proud of the development of the
National Symphony not only as regards
the programs presented here, but for
discerning public of Baltimore and
Richmond. This Summer further no.
tice has been attracted to the National
Symphony through the successful guest
appearances Of Dr. Hans Kinder in
New York and Philadelphia. The ac-
claim that is being accorded DR.. Kind
Ter in his out-of-town conducting re-
fleets resplendently on the city that has
been able to maintain the National
Symphony Orchestra. organized under
his direction. The audiences in Wash
ington will benefit by the outside con-
tracts and new honors and experiences
that have been heaped upon its or
cheStral leader. 1t can be proud that
the direction of the National Symphony
Is in the hands Of an enterprising and
energetic man for whom there is no
standing still in musical experiences.
Thus far the life history of the Ma
tional Symphony has been one of val
liant overcoming of enormous Difficult
ties. In this struggle the sponsors. the
management, the conductor and the Or
chestra men have all borne their share
OF the burden with cheerful courage and
oClCI W SdIly OIl. Ndlul ally
every one wishes the best for the city
OF Washington and for an orchestra
that bears the name of the National
Symphony" this is doubly important.
Therefore the question of how the Or
chestra is to operate in the future Is as
vital as any other Of the city'S prob
lens. This is the worry that already Is
overShadoWing the content that fol-
lowed the announcement of the raising
Of guarantee fund for l933-34.
II the orchestra is to continue it is
imperative that its personnel be placed
on a permanent salary basis This is
as fair a demand for an orchestra as
for any business undertaking. 1t is the
hope that has animated its leader and
members alike during the probation
period. The members have proven
their stamina. DR.. Kinder has demon
strated his ability. the public's reactions
are well known. 1t is time now to give
thought to the next step.
Under the present system of oper-
alton. the men are held to their con-
tracts by the frail bona of concert
to-concert arrangement. The money
that has been SO generously contributed
provides but for limited number of re-
hearsalS, with a consequent need Of
program planning to fit in with the re-
Iltdl odI llIlc IL CdilllOL Dc eApeClcu
that the best of the symphonic roper
toire can be presented with the few re-
hearsals the budget allows. 1t is too
much to hope that flaWless execution
and unity of Interpretation can be
achieved by an orchestra working on a
part-time basis. If it is not only to
grow, but to maintain the standard
necessary to a symphony orchestra, it
must be organized in a manner to as
sure its position and to permit of un-
disputed concentration on its work
Would it be an expensive undertaking
to make the National Symphony a per-
manent organization? A glance at the
operating costs of the past two seasons
and a comparison with the operating
costs of other orchestras will automat-
ically answer the question. The present
cost of the National Symphony is S90,-
600 a year. The Boston Symphony,
from available figures of two seasons
ago. had yearly outlay of $4,000
with deficit one season of $162 900
The Chicago Symphony requires be-
tween s35o,000 and s400, 900 and the
New York and Philadelphia orchestras
use up much larger sums. 1t is true
the Chicago Symphony has a revenue
return from its own auditorium and