The musical life of this city has reached a stage in its development that must make it apparent to all who are interested in the advancement of matters of art and education that if we are to continue the progress of the past few years and take our place as a city of any musical importance, the next and most necessary step is the founding of a Permanent Philadelphia Orchestra. Such an undertaking is one that requires serious consideration, and the co-operation not only of our music-loving public but of all citizens who are interested in our civic progress. In order to establish an orchestra such as would be a distinct credit to the city, it is necessary to have a paid-up fund of not less than $250,000. The following Committee, before issuing this circular, have given the matter great consideration, carefully looked into various organizations in other cities, and feel confident that if they meet with liberal response Philadelphia will have in a few years an orchestra second to none in America. When Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and other cities, not nearly so large or so wealthy, have established permanent orchestras, it is surely time that we should interest ourselves and unite in aiding to form an organization in keeping with our size and importance. This will not be possible with less than the sum before mentioned, which they trust you will aid them in securing upon the following terms and conditions: 1. Subscribers shall not be bound by their subscriptions unless the sum of $200,000 shall have been subscribed. 2. The fund shall be used only for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a permanent Philadelphia Orchestra, and it shall be applied for that purpose by the following Trustees: C. WILLIAM BERGNER C. HARTMAN KUHN JOHN H. CONVERSE SIMON A. STERN SAMUEL A. CROZER JAMES F. SULLIVAN GEORGE W. CHILDS DREXEL THOMAS B. WANAMAKER CHARLES C. HARRISON or their successors. The discretion of such Trustees shall be absolute as regards the administration of the fund, and they shall have power to fill any vacancy occurring in their number, they having agreed to abide by the conditions herein stated. The Trustees shall invest $200,000 of the fund, using only the interest thereof and the additional $50,000 shall be used for current expenses of the first few years, when the expenses will be heavier and the deficit greater. 3. The orchestra shall be composed, first, of the best musicians resident in Philadelphia; then, of the best musicians obtainable either in this country or abroad. In order to insure the success of the enterprise, it is absolutely necessary that the highest standard be maintained, that the reputation of the orchestra can be established in other cities beside our own, for it is not possible for an orchestra to become self-supporting that cannot command engagements outside the city to which it belongs.