The need of more orchestral concerts was evidently felt, for in 1893 the Philadelphia Symphony Society was organized by amateurs and incorporated for the purpose of “the cultivation of the higher order of Orchestral Work and the fostering of all matters tending to promote the cause of music.” The Society was fortunate in procuring as its first leader, Dr. Wm. Wallace Gilchrist, founder of the Mendelssohn Club in 1875, and its conductor for forty years. Members paid no fees or dues and the three concerts given each year in the Academy of Music were supported by the Associate membership. The two upper galleries were reserved for music students in the public schools and conservatories, and about fifteen hundred such tickets were distributed for each performance. The Society possessed a musical Library and a Reading Room. Rehearsals were open to accredited music students, much to the benefit of those who were studying orchestration. It also fostered chamber music by bringing the Kneisel Quartette to Philadelphia during sixteen seasons. After the resignation of Dr. Gilchrist, Fritz Scheel became the conductor. The list of works performed under both leaders was of the highest standard and would do credit to any professional orchestra. The place of this amateur orchestra in the symphonic succession is a noble one and one of immense influence in this community. The incentive that it gave to young players was worth all the expense and effort involved. Scheel had hesitated when asked to become leader of an amateur organization for fear of endangering his reputation. Therefore, when the Philippine Concerts were arranged, a separate committee was formed having no connection with the Philadelphia Symphony Society. In 1900 the Society disbanded and sold to the Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Orchestra its library, a set of kettledrums and its music desks, and issued the following circular to its members: “The Society, always active in promoting the musical interests of Philadelphia, gave its earnest and hearty assistance to the organizing of the Philadelphia Orchestra, which, now established on a firm basis and fortunate in its splendid personnel of professional musicians, is in a position to continue orchestral work in Philadelphia and carry it to a point beyond the possibilities of amateurs. For this new orchestra, which aims to do and can do so much for music in Philadelphia, the Society asks from its associate members the same generous support that heretofore has been given to our amateur organization.” Thus ended the only connection that ever existed between the Philadelphia Symphony Society and the Philadelphia Orchestra, which was that Fritz Scheel led this amateur orchestra for one season before the formation of the Philadelphia Orchestra, composed entirely of professional Philadelphia musicians.