A LONDON CHORAL UNION.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.']
Sist,—The present seems a fitting time to try to effect the confedera- tion of our London choirs and choral societies, SO that through music and pageantry some sort of broad expression may be given to our national character on such occasions as demand its display.. In these last few days it has been almost pitiful to watch the lack of direction in the manifestation of our rejoicings, a mani- festation which clearly demonstrated the power of joy and emotion in our people, but just as clearly showed it to be wasted in impotent and meaningless mafficking. Yet it is true to say that such a power, with wise direction, might have been turned to a noble expression of our national spirit; further indeed, that there are no more potent means of consolidating and beautifying it, for music and pageantry are not only of the nature of beauty but of a bond. In pursuance of this, the Conductors or Secretaries of all London choral bodies are hereby invited to a meeting at Saint Anne's Schools, Dean Street, Soho, W. 1, at 6 o'clock on Friday. November 29th, to consider the matter and elect a Committee or Committees who would put in motion the necessary machinery. Artists, pageant-makers, members of our municipal bodies, and others interested in any aspect of the proposal are also cordially invited to attend. The use of such combined forces is obvious on days of national sorrow or rejoicing. Generally it would be exer- cised in open-air celebrations in the form of processional singing, or mass meetings; and while the whole force could be gathered together centrally on national occasions, it would also be easy under this scheme to organize the resources of each district, F0 that local needs coull be met in much the same way. The organi- zation would be open to all choirs, church or secular. The strongest and the weakest must co-operate, if fruitful results are to be secured, and not only will the community advantage from the voice of its musicians and the hand of its artists, but artists and musicians may also be made more aware thereby of their relation to the community. Offers of the needful financial help will be welcomed at once by the temporary Secretary, Mr. Charles Kennedy Scott, 57 Addison Road, W. 14.—We are, Sir, &C.,
ADRIAN C. BOUM MARTIN SHAW.
HARVEY GRACE. R. R. TERRY.
CHARLES KENNEDY SCOTT. R. A. VAUGHAN WILLIAMS.
GEOFFREY SHAW.
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