Evening star., 1946-06-16
Water Gates
Concert Series
Begins Tonight
Tenth Anniversary
Recalls Hardships
Of Earlier Years
By Alice Eversmon

Today the Nations Capital Joins
hands with other enterprising cities
in fostering a summer season OF
concerts. This is an anniversary
occasion for the local group for it
marks the 10th year the National
Symphony Orchestra has presented
its programs at the Water Gate.
Throughout the country, wherever
possible. concerts are being planned
or have begun to further the love
of music.
Ten years ago, when the idea OF
summer concerts was born, hunt
began for a proper site. AS soon as
the Water Gate was brought to the
attention of the orchestra manage
ment it was agreed Immediately
that for natural beauty here was
the ideal spot. Other cities have
parks and open spaces, but few
can boast the unusual arrangement
of music played on a barge moored
in the river The sky, the water
and the earth, with its historic
places in full view giving a particu-
lar atmosphere, combine to make
the setting for Washingtons sum-
mer concerts different from that of
any other similar series.
Weather Not Always Good.
Not all was fair sailing in the
beginning Weather conditions were
often extremely capricious and
many concert was given with the
patter of rain on umbrellas of the
loyal audience, practically drowning
! out the music. There were many
things to be learned In meeting un-
foreseen situations that developed,
and there was always a measure
of excitement in looking toward
what the evening would bring.
How wonderfully the manage
ment rose to the challenges is
exemplified in its solution of trans
portation difficulties during the war.
1t became an adventure to avail
oneself of the horse drawn vehicles
provided by the management for
the trip from streetcar to the Lin
coin Memorial or even to walk the
distance. Concerts were inter-
rupted by blackouts. yet every pre-
caution was taken to avoid panic
( or congestion in dispensing the
audience.
Today. the entire operation of the
Water Gate schedule runs smoothly.
improvements in the amplification
system, the appearance OF the shell
and for the comfort of the public
have been thought out. The pro-
grams also have grown in value and
while the heavier symphonic music
Is more or less left out, there is no
attempt to descend from a standard
or cater to the gallery The solo
artists are Of top rank and the con-
ductors prominent and already we'll
known here.
Finest in Music.
When summer concerts by SYM
phony orchestras were first thought
of, there was an inclination to de-
part from the type of music used in
the winter. Light nusiclike SUM
mer reading" seemed to be called
for. But it has been proved that
hot weather does not interfere with
apprecia ton of the finest in the re-
laXed mood OF summer as we'll as in
the more serious winter frame of
mind.
In fact. given a scenic setting such
as the Water Gate provides, there
is a decided change of viewpoint as
regards music. 1t Is brought closer
to the individual and the beauties of
nature assist in opening the way to
its deep comprehension. So much
of the great music was conceived
under or inspired by the influence of
natures moods on the composer
that it returns to its natural element
when heard in such settings as that
Of the Water Gate. 1t fulfills its
destiny in being the voice of the
Great Protector speaking to His
own.