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MUSICAL COURIER
Taft School Wins Glee Club Contest
Taft School won the Interpreparatory Glee Club Contest, at Town Hall, on April 21, with Andover taking second place. The prize song was Frederick Field Bullard’s The Sword of Ferrara. The judges were Dr. Tertius Noble (chairman), Dr. Walter Henry Hall and Marshall Bartholomew.
fit concert in Newark for this young girl so that she may be able to continue her vocal studies. A cousin of Miss Phenice who lives in Detroit, has offered to duplicate the amount taken in at this benefit concert.
DETROIT ORCHESTRA ENDS SEASON
It was the first event of this kind ever held, and, fathered by the University Glee Club (Arthur D. Woodruff, conductor), proved a fine beginning for so noble an undertaking. Patterned largely after the Intercollegiate Glee Clubs’ Contest, the purpose is to arouse competitive singing among the boys’ preparatory schools. For the initial contest there were eight schools competing — Hotchkiss, Andover, Lawrenceville, Poly Prep, Country Day, Peddie, Huntington, Taft and Loomis. Undoubtedly another year will see some of the other well known schools listed, such as Mercersberg, Blair Academy, Hill School, Newark Academy, Montclair, etc.
The names of the conductors were not given so one cannot give all the credit due. To the writer’s mind Taft deserves first place, not only because of their generally good singing and the technical points naturally considered, but also because of the very fine spirit the youngsters displayed.
The program opened with a light song sung by each chorus. Then came the prize number, and finally the school song. It was^ noticeable how many schools lacked an original song of their own—a splendid suggestion for someone interested in offering prizes.
At the close Dr. Woodruff presented the University Glee Club in a group of three numbers—Blow, Blow Thou Wind (Parker), Briar Rose (DuBois), and Land Sighting (Grieg). Dr. Woodruff conducted with his usual skill and the effects he created were delightful.
To end with all the clubs—the ■stage crowded and many forced out into the hall proper—-gave Kremser’s arrangement of The Prayer of Thanksgiving (Old Dutch), Dr. Woodruff conducting, and, then, with the audience joining in, The Star Spangled Banner.
PAPALARDO
Now scheduling for festivals and operatic performances 1923-24.
Studios:
315 West 98th Street, New York
•	Telephones:
Riverside 1669	Marble 1573
Bidding for Next Year’s Boxes Runs High
Detroit, Mich., April 27.—The fourteenth and concluding pair of subscription concerts given by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at Orchestra Hall, April 19 and 20, presented Ossip Gabrilowitsch in the dual role of pianist and conductor. The program opened with the overture to Donna Diana by Reznicek. This was followed by Mozart’s second concerto in D minor (K466) and Weber’s concert piece in F minor, op. 79, for piano and orchestra with Mr. Gabrilowitsch at the piano and Victor Kolar conducting. The rare beauty of the Mozart and the changing moods of the Weber were satisfactorily portrayed under the skillful hands of the pianist. It is easy to rhapsodize over the work of Mr. Gabrilowitsch for he possesses so much and is never niggardly in giving of his best. Poise, restraint, poetic insight together with technical clarity and color of tone enable him to bring out the hidden beauties of a work. At the close of his numbers he was recalled many times and the floral offerings were abundant. Mr. Kolar and the orchestra shared in the ovation. The remainder of the program was devoted to the tone poem, Ein Heldenleben, op. 40, by Richard Strauss, repated by general request. Ilya Scholnik played the violin obligato. The orchestra gave a brilliant performance of this work, making a memorable. close for the season, which in many respects has been one of the best in the history of the orchestra.
Mr. Gabrilowitsch as conductor, Mr. Kolar as assistant conductor, William E. Walter as manager, all remain another season while the personnel of the orchestra will be practically unchanged. All of these things give an air of permanence and public sentiment has apparently accepted the orchestra as one of the valuable assets in Detroit’s life, which is as it should be.
The auction sale of boxes for next season took place April 24. Charles A. Hughes was the auctioneer and the bidding for the choice of boxes was spirited and .resulted in the sum of $23,110, this being $5,000 more than last season. William H. Murphy won first choice at $1,500, Mrs. Horace E. Dodge paying a like sum for second choice. The lowest price was $625. Preliminary to the auction the Symphony Ensemble played the Beethoven septet, op. 20.
J. M. S.
Erna Cavelle Popular in Atlantic City
Erna Cavelle, who recently took charge of the Ampico recitals being given at the National Art Exhibits on the Boardwalk, Atlantic City, is making a splendid impression, due to her talent and personality. Under her direction some excellent programs have been put on, and a number of interesting ones for the next month are planned. Among the clubs which have engaged Miss Cavelle !are the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club and the Club of Journalism. Besides the well known artists whom Miss Cavelle has for her programs, she often appears as soloist on the Ampico programs herself, thus affording the people at Atlantic City an opportunity to become acquainted with her beautiful soprano voice. She is repeating the success there which she has had at various appearances in and around New York.
Haywood Studio Activities
A series of Music' Hours are being held every Thursday for the private students of the Haywood Vocal Studios under the personal direction of Mr. Haywood. Every other Thursday is reserved for students only, but on the days when guests are invited, programs are given and a social hour enjoyed. On March 8, Lois Ewell, operatic soprano, was the guest of honor and on March 22 Orville Harrold, tenor, Metropolitan Opera, was׳ the special guest.
Elly Ney to Remain in America This Summer
Elly Ney was heard in recital in Maryville, Mo., on May 8. Her program for this engagement included compositions by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Chopin and Liszt. Mme. Ney will remain in America this summer, and has taken a house at Lawrence, Long Island.
PIETRO Y0\
Giving Master Course in Concert Organ Playing
Carnegie Hall, New York City JUNE 18th to JULY 28th
TERMS $200	Practicing facilities at moderate rates
Address: THE INSTITUTE OF CONCERT VIRTUOSI 853 Carnegie Hall, New York City
May 10, 1923
Verdi Club Holds Annual Breakfast
Florence Foster Jenkins, founder and president of the Verdi Club of New York, heard many sincere compliments from the speakers at the annual breakfast, Hotel Astor, May 2, and blushingly acknowledged them. One speaker said: “She is the best singer among all club presidents, and the best club president among singers,” which sentiment was warmly applauded.
Founded in 1917, this club was never in better social or financial position than now, with many paid-up members for the season 1923-24, and a strongly intrenched musical and social clientele, who all swear by their charming, capable president.
Entering the breakfast-room to the joyous music of orchestra and women’s voices, the guests of honor found their name-places at the raised table—what appeared to be flower-wreaths at each plate being provided as personal adornment for the guests, these in Tut-ankh-amen in colors. President Jenkins announced that a goodly sum had been raised through the Silver Skylark ball, for the Red Cross; that the Verdi Club stood for aiding young artists, as well as hearing those of established eminence; Bruce Adams," who is fast becoming known as the poet-laureate of the club, read an appropriate poem regarding the flower-wreaths of “Old King Tut.” Marion Armstrong, Canadian soprano, sang a song in French and a spring song, with beauty of voice and clear enunciation. S. Avatabile, Italian conductor of opera (he conducted Otello for the society), said a few appropriate words. N. Val Peavey played a Humoresque by Rachmaninoff, and served as efficient accompanist. Mrs. William B. Sleeper, artist; Mrs. J. J. Murdock, singer, and Mrs. Thomas Hunter, these three being sisters, all said graceful things, and were later proud to witness the graceful dancing and expression of Martha Marie Sleeper,' which was loudly applauded.
Mrs. W. H. deFontaine added a few words, and the tenor, Steele Jamison, sang French and Russian songs with appropriate expression and good voice, Mrs. Wilcox at the piano. Edith R. Pierson, a club president herself, paid tribute to Mrs. Jenkins, and read a brief history of club events. Mrs. Gardner Hirons, chairman of the Bluebird Dance, gave her report, and special mention was made by the president of the absent Mrs. James Gracie, similarly chairman of the 1922 Bluebird Dance. Youthful Amelia Summerville, one of the leading lights of the American stage (now with The Gingham Girl), whose fame was established as the Merry Mountain Maid in Dixey’s Adonis, talked at some length on the Theater Guild, mentioning Otto Kahn as a tremendous factor in its success; many present were delighted to greet and applaud her. Mrs. Leslie Hall, secretary of Verdi since the beginning, was applauded, and Florence Auer, well known actress, gave a talk full of interest, well expressed in beautiful English, and appealed especially for increasing the membership of the club.
Rita Marzo, chairman of Juniors, told of the dances, etc., planned for the boys and girls, and Mrs. Samuel Rossitter Betts, known as “the opal lady,” was asked to say a few words. Mrs. Arthur H. Bridge smiled on the company from the guests’ table, and Leila Troland Gardner quite caught everyone’s attention with her expressive singing of negro spirituals, humorous and otherwise. Mrs. Albert Douglas said how-do-you-do, and the president spoke of two absent members, Edna Moreland (now in Paris) and Mrs. Ernest Davis. Mrs. Clarence Lee Hilleary, chairman of reception, and Mrs. Nasewald also spoke, and the assemblage was delighted to pay homage to the mother of President Jenkins, Mrs. Charles Dorrance Foster, who gave greetings. St. Clair Bayfield, the English actor, and Mrs. Oscar Gemunder (chairman of the advertising committee) said a few words, as did Mr. Riesberg of the Musical Courier, and also Mrs. John Moran.
The attendance was big, and interest in everything unusual, everyone listening attentively, for Mrs. Jenkins so managed matters that there was no delay. Many speakers expressed the hope of being present next year, and the event was truly a representative one, adding greatly to the prestige of the Verdi Club.
American Music Guild’s Season
The American Music Guild has, during its first season, presented the following works at its three public concerts in the Town Hall, and at its three private concerts at the Fifty-eighth Street Branch of the New York Public Library: Violin and piano sonatas, Carl Engel, Blair Fairchild, Louis Gruenberg and John Powell; string quartet, David Stanley Smith and Leo Sowerby; sonata for piano, Charles Griffes; sonata for two pianos, Leo Ornstein; piano quartet, Arthur Foote; piano quartet, Howard Hanson; choral variations for two pianos, Charles Haubiel, and miscellaneous compositions by Marion Bauer, Chalmers Clifton, Samuel Gardner, Edwin Grasse, Frederick Jacobi, Daniel Gregory Mason, Harold Morris, Charles Martin Loeffler, Albert Stoessel, Alexander Steinert, Clifford Vaughn, Wintter Watts, arid Emerson Whithorne.
Among the artists who assisted at these concerts were: Eva Gauthier, Ethel Leginska, Georges Grisez, Katharine Bacon, E. Robert Schmitz, Reinald Werrenrath, Leo Ornstein, Zelina de Maclot, Albert Marsh, The Letz Quartet, Lajos Shuk, Edna Stoessel, Sascha Jasobsen, Irene Schwarcz Jacobi, Ruth Kemper, Gustave Langenus, John Powell and Samuel Gardner, and the following Guild members : Sandor Harmati, Harold Morris, Charles Haubiel, Louis Gruenberg, Albert Stoessel.
The American Music Guild is pleased to announce that Chalmers Clifton has been elected to its membership.
Elsie Lyon to Hold Summer Classes
On April 12, Elsie Lyon sang for the Flatbush Musical Study Club, under the auspices of the City Symphony, and on April 20, she was the soloist at a banquet and Jjall given at the Ritz-Carlton in New York for the benefit of the Destitute Hungarian Children. March 20', Miss Lyon sang in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
From July 1 to September 1, Miss Lyon will hold her annual master class in Newark, Ohio, where she also does a limited amount of teaching for several days every six weeks during the winter. She will offer again two scholarships : one for a talented boy and another for a girl. This year’s winners were John Alexander, tenor, and Izella Phenice, a young coloratura soprano, with, it is said, a phenomenal voice. Very shortly Miss Lyon will give a bene-