Evening star., 1933-01-29

Such was the conductor who
next took over the destinies Of the
Boston Symphony and brought to
bear his profound musicianship
on their further training. During
the four years that he remained
in this country, the public had
many opportunities to hear a va
riety of works that heretofore had
not been included In the orcheS-
tra's repertoire.
From Vienna again came his
successor, Emil Pauer, who, after
five years in Boston, continued in
America as conductor OF the New
York Philharmonic concerts and
eventually became director Of the
National Conservatory in New
York. DR.. Carl Muck was another
find of Mr.. Higginson and he con-
tinued at his post for many years
bringing the standard Of the Or
chestra to as near perfection as
possible.
War. that had interfered with
Mr.. Higginson's early life, came
again to cause temporary Sus-
pension OF what he was trying to
accomplish and after being the
sole supporter Of the orchestra
for 81 years, he turned over the
directing Of its destinieS in 1918
to board Of trustees.
In 1924 Serge KoussevitSky be-
gan the longest continuous term
as conductor of that orchestra
and has brought it to new and
surprising heights. He came,
heralded by the fame Of his Con
certs Koussevitsky" in Paris and
the new impetus he had given to
music in Russia. During the past
nine years of his Boston leader
ship he has won a warm place
in the appreciation Of the Ameri-
can public for his upholding Of
ideals that were a part of Mr..
HigginSon's dream.
THE passing Of Katie Wilson,
Greene writes finis to a glo-
rious musical adventure. She
braved many difficulties that the
treasures of music could be &C
cessible to the public of WASH
ington. She laid the corner stone
of substantial musical edifice
and saw it grow with surprising
rapidity during her lifetime and
had the consolation of knowing
that what she had done was good.
The impetus she has given will
spread out in ever widening
circles and to her will 60 the
honor Of having started it.
Were it not for her bigness of
courage that made her willing to
gamble everything she possessed
to carry out her idea, the influx
OF famous artists and the forming
Of the habit of concert going
would have been delayed many
years. She it was who realized
that there was culture here that
was being starved and wealth
enough willing to pay provided
that need was satisfied.
Mrs. Wilson, Greene had the
clearnesS to see that it was a deli
cate undertaking and that any
effort to present but the best
would bring disgust that could
never be overcome. For that rea-
son she wasted no time, but be-
gan at the top, sought the best
and paid the big prices for the
best. In the struggle she made
Washington known as a city
where great artists would be well
coined and raised herself to the
presidency of the National Concert
Managers Association, where she
presided over the activities of
artists and managers over the en-
tire country.
From one initial concert to the
complicated handling of big or
ganizationS, such as the Metro
politan and Chicago Operas, has
been Mrs. Greene's record. Wash
lngton has become familiar with
the elite OF genius and musical
talent, and to the memory of
Katie Wilson, Greene, who made
all this possible, goes the respect
and gratitude Of those who have
enjoyed the fruits of her labors.
X
MUSICAL Washington mourns
this week also the loss of DR..
Hugh R. Roberts, we'll known vocal
teacher and president of the
Washington College of Music. In
the eight years Of his residence in
this city, he has endeared himself
to many friends and won an i'm
portant place in the city's musi-
cal life. He labored to lift the
teaching standards in all depart
ments of the college and brought
well known artist-teachers from
New York to act as inspiration.
He worked untiringly for the
cause OF music. During the re-
cent convention of the National
Music Teachers Association. his
activities and his assistance were
felt throughout and, while re-
naming In the background, he
nevertheless contributed in no
little measure to its success. A
man OF such high ideals, wide in
tereStS and constructive energy
cannot be easily replaced.
EMERSON MEYERS, pianist
teacher of the Institute Of
Music, has had the unique expert
ence OF knowing that his work
mas made an impression in China
FolIoWlng an announcement in
The Washington Star a few weeks
ago that he was Offering a piano
scholarship came a letter from A
russian girl living in Shanghai
emma. asking for particulars and
Slgni1ying her desire to come to
washington to study.
Carmela Ponselle Com;na