Evening star., 1933-08-06


ing which reduces its operating cost,
but even with this there is a deficit
usually running between $4,000 and
$500 1t can be fairly estimated that
the deficits of the New York and Phila-
delphia Orchestras approximate four
times this amount
At present the National Symphony is
costing its Washington guarantors $4,000
week for a season of "a weeks. DR..
Kinder has computed that the orches-
ira can be maintained on a permanent
basis by the addition Of $4,000 week
to this amount. or making the upkeep
Of a season of "a weeks $144 900, small
percentage of the budget of other Or
chestras. This sum covers salaries
hall and music rentals, advertising and
publicity expenses, office maintenance
and library fees.
important results. 1t would permit of
a choice personnel. with its most valu-
able members indubitably bound to it
and working with sympathy to increase
its prestige. II this is not done. it can
not be expected that the increasing eco
nomic surety throughout the country
Will not entlce them to other more lu
crative positions. with a consequent
vacillating eSthetic standard in what
will remain of the National symphony
If the Symphony Orchestra could be
assured its permanent existence, the
cherished plan OF making it a popular
orchestra for the surrounding country
could be put into execution. Geograph-
ically. it is in an ideal position from
which to furnish symphonic music to
the entire South. Inquiries have al
ready been received from many South
lctte, Winston Salem, Birmingham,
Ala; Pittsburg, etc, as to the prospects
of visit by the Capitals orchestra.
The successful concerts given in Balti-
more and Richmond last season make it
feasible to hope for a regular series of
concerts in these two cities. The Phil
harmonic Orchestra of New York has
Withdrawn its customary season from
Baltimore and the Boston Symphony is
heard there only once or twice a year.
There Is not only an opening for the
National Symphony. but distinct need
OF more high-standard symphonic con-
certs in that musicloving city. The
National Symphony would be welcomed
with sincere appreciation by our mu-
sical neighbors.
Returns on the money invested could
reasonably be hoped for with the de-
velopment of an out-of town concert
tour. Twenty-four such concerts and
the additional expense would be taken
care OF and the cost of the orchestra
brought even lower than the present
figures. There would be no fear of
facing the enormous deficits of the
other large organizations. for it can be
permanently supported on a fraction of
the huge outlay necessary to keep them
in existence. Below Washington are
many cities starved for symphonic
music that only the National Symphony
could supply at the price they can af-
ford to pay.
Logically analyzed, there is no plaus-
ible reason to fear that the National
Symphony could not earn its keep Be-
fore this can actually take place. how
ever, there must be something to go on,
some resources that would allow the
expense of moving a large number of
men and their instruments and music
to the cities that wish to hear them.
There must be money for more practice
and still more practice before facing
the criticism Of uninterested outsiders
There must be an atmosphere of relief
and peace created in which the beauti-
full destiny Of the National Symphony
can be accomplished. Is it not worthy
to give early and serious thought as to
how this is to be effected?