Evening star., 1948-02-15
Slim Audience
Problem Faces
Concerts Again
By Alice Eversmon

By Alice Eversman
Attendance at concerts this sea-
son has diminished so greatly sin
comparison to preceding years that
1t presents grave problem. During
the war years, with the increase In
population here, almost anything
and everything announced at Con-
stitution Hall was sold out. It
seemed that the long cherished
dream Of Washington as a leading
musical center was realized, 1t has
been quite discouraging to find that
with the number Of the city's in
habitants reduced we are back
where we used to be.
There always has been talk, and
very pronouncedly during the fat
years, of how inferior in cultural
aspects the Capital of the United
States was. In comparison to cap
itals Of other countries. It has been
pointed out that we have no ade-
quate hall or theater, that most Of
the large-scale musical activities
are wanting or barely being kept
in existence. The people have been
condemned for intertia and the
Government upbraided for It's lack
Of support All kinds of plans have
been devised from a cultural de-
partment in the cabinet to the CITY,
wide sponsoring of various nrojects.
Washington Is Different.
But few seem to realize the Diff
ference from any other capital
Most of the people that live here
call some other place home. They
come and they go, and those that
remain over a longer period of years
look forward to the time when they
can retire and go home" During
their residence here, they keep up
their contacts with home affairs,
interested in and often supporting
the cultural activities of their own
city or town. To them 1t is of
great Importance how the concert
season, the symphony orchestra S
prospects and the educational
projects are coming along and they
read with pleasure the receptions
and teas given by their home town
prominent citizens when any drive
for funds is in progress.
This capital is almost exclusively
O place of government. No big busi-
ness draws other people here or
contributes to the community's
wealth. Every other capital has its
life apart from government. The
fact that diplomats, congressional
and cabinet members, heads Of de-
partments and of the armed serv-
ices, are all congregated here, Gre
ates social life of importance in the
transaction of governmental busi-
ness. Federal workers are busy peo-
pie without time for extra occupa-
tions. 1t is doubtful if, in any other
capital of the world, this working
and social activity on the part of so
many and in such different depart
nents Is as great.
In Europe. any one living in the
capital can enjoy It's cultural offer
ings without a thought as to the
expense of running them for they
are government subsidized. If they
keep in contact with their home
town, they need not worry as to how
the musical organizations are max
ing out financially for that, too, is
taken care of by the government.
There Is not a constant f1uctuating
population in other leading cities as
here in Washington; for each can
boast a substantial number Of peo-
pie who have lived for generations
In the capital. go
Many Free Opportunities.
Also. hardly another city In the
country has so many opportunities
to hear music without paying for it.
The service bands give excellent
weekly programs, the National Gal
Iery and the Phillips Gallery bring
out -of-town artists besides offering
appearances to local musicians.
These concerts are all free to the
public. The numerous clubs have
musical programs at nearly all their
meetings while music in perform
ance is the objective of the Friday
Morning Music Club and, to a lesser
degree, of the Arts Club. The
churches are not behind in fostering
interest in music and a considerable
public is drawn to their special or
regular events.
There are many other cultural
activities in this city that absorb
patronage. 1t is metropolis where
practically everyone has his par
ticular interest whether it be politi-
cal, social or cultural. 1t cannot
be expected that all of this can be
directed into one channel. 1t is the
very life of the city, one that sets
1t apart from any other in the
world.
Rather than behttle what is being
done toward the cultivation of the
finer things of life, we should be
proud of what has been accom-
plished here. There should be more
of a realization of conditions here
and an adjustment to them rather
than wholesale, unthinking con-
demnation. If this season shows
diminished patronage of concerts, it
does not mean lack of desire or in
ferior appreciation of cultural val
ues. 1t means that the interest,
and the monetary contributions,
must be spread over greater terri
tory. It rests with the musicians
and their standard of performances
whether the greater support will be
given to music.
Paganini Quartet
The Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge