However, Philadelphia audiences have improved in concert manners since the olden time. Then the audiences, although considered ill-behaved, were much like European ones; they did throw things at the singers and did not hesitate to express their opinions of the performance. But the city has advanced, as can be seen by the following notice: “Pistole Reward—To whoever can discover the person who was so very rude as to throw Eggs from the Gallery upon the Stage, last Monday, by which the Cloathes of some Ladies and Gentlemen were spoiled and the performance in some measure interrupted!”[39] [39] Sonneck: “Early Concert Life.” Now we do not throw things, the performance is only “in some measure interrupted” when we cough and sneeze during concerts and operas and occasionally come in late. Frequent interruptions of a performance by the screams and calls of displeased listeners, to say nothing of constant conversation were the order of the early days of public music. Not worse here than elsewhere, but annoying just the same. Now a whisper is hardly ever audible at concerts, and a hiss is called forth only by a modern composition too terrible to allow to pass unnoticed. A hiss every now and again is not an unhealthy sign. It shows that someone is listening; and there are a few coughs but always behind the conductor’s back. Early in the life of the orchestra the public began to write letters of complaint to the management and to the newspapers. The management feels that this is a sign of healthy interest and welcomes these comments. It shows how strong the sense of possession of the orchestra is with its patrons. Encores have vanished like the missiles of the past. Hats and restlessness are going out of fashion. The audiences of the Philadelphia Orchestra are wonderful groups of people, some of whom have held seats continuously since 1900. Their regular attendance has encouraged the Board of Directors and inspired the conductor and the musicians to artistic achievements. The party of the third part is doing its share toward making the concerts a success. CHAPTER IX THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY Anniversaries are times for reminiscences and a general survey of affairs. The Corporation known as “The Philadelphia Orchestra Association” today consists of four parts: First, the Association:[40] comprising the subscribers to the Endowment Funds of $25.00 or more, and the yearly subscribers to tickets for the regular series of concerts; and a Board of Directors elected by them (one-third annually), who in turn elect the officers; Second, the Philadelphia Orchestra; Third, the four Women’s Committees; Fourth, the Business Management. [40] By-laws, 1920. It is hardly necessary to mention the interdependence of this quartette of activities, or to explain how many people have worked to procure an orchestra for Philadelphia.