The May Festival

rpHI Festival is one of the many important results of tlio work of the üniversity Musical Society of the University of Michigan. This organizatiou has made for itself a anique record. The concerts have become so thoroughly a part of the TJniversity life, tliat few realize the f uil significance of the work which lias been done. A rustir results and influence can not be easily estimated but we are confldent tliey are none the less real, and aa a matter of fact of prime importance. But the material side of the work can be shown, and as art must lmvë its business aspects, we make no apology for incorporating the following figures in our Festival Journal. For concerts alone over $25,000 has been expended, exclttding the incidentals which ordinarify form no inconsiderable part of concert expenses. Most of the great orchestras, singers, pianista, etc., have been heard in these concerts, and some of the most important and j difficult choral works have been j formed. The Choral Union lias grown into a grand chorus of 280 members, and as the initial impulse toall the musical work hasproceeded from the Choral Union, it is fitting to emphasize first of all this record of the Choral Union Series. The Univ'ersity Schooi, op Music is another important result of the work of the Musical Society. The generous spirit oí the citizens of Ann Arbor found expression in the beautiful building erected for the use of the School. Thework of the remarkably competent corps of instructora lias resulted in the ayiug of the foundations of a great educatiouaJ inetitution. In mapy respecte this is the most important of all the enterprises of the Society, and in calling the attention of the readers of thia article to the merits of the University School of Music we desire to emphasize the fact that it is the intention of the Board of Directora to maintain the same exalted ideal of the character of musical edueaí ion which led to the establishment of the School. Of the enterprises which the University Musical Society contemplated, the purchase of the Festival Urgan, which was one of the great features of Choral Hall at the Coluinbian Expositipn, will perhaps arouse the greatest interest. It is confidently expected that the pride in our University and the reverence for the memory of the tirst patrón of music in our midst, Dr. Frieze, will take fitting expression in the erection of this iriagnificent instrui ment in CJniveraity Hall. In conclusión may we not draw attention to the fact that thisseetion of Michigan may eventnally become a center oi art as well as of educaiion. The combined influence of tlie Univerwty and Normal Schools in education is suppleniented by the action and broaH artistic policy of the two musical nstitutions, the University School of Music and the Normal Conservatoir.