THE COST OF A PRIVATE ORCHESTRA.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Stu,—In the article, " The Cost of a Private Orchestra," in your issue of May 19th, it is said : " It is a curious fact that no
English or American millionaire in these latter days has ever thought of maintaining a private band." No doubt this is accurately stated, but it will not, I trust, be inapposite if I point out that in Boston, Mass., for several years the annual deficit—often amounting to as much as $50,000—arising from the maintenance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra was assumed and paid by one gentleman of fortune, Mr. Henry D. Higginson. This orchestra is now self-supporting, and is by far the best band in the United States. In Chicago, too, for several years past the taste and generosity of a not very numerous body of guarantors have sufficed to maintain the excellent orchestra of Mr. Theodore Thomas at a cost of many thousand dollars annually. The two orchestras men- tioned are of course public ; that is, their concerts are and have always been open to the public upon payment of the required fee. Would not the Spectator rather recommend
rich men to follow the examples cited than to maintain orchestras for their private gratification P—I am, Sir, &c.,
[Of course; that was, in fact, our recommendation.—En. Spectator.]
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