“Mr. Stokowski lifted the wreath, and when the applause died down, turning to Mr. Van Rensselaer, said: “‘It is impossible for me to put into words my emotions tonight. This stupendous and noble work was written six years ago. For six years I have been meditating the possibility of its performance and hoping, some day, to have the opportunity of giving it, although I knew the requisite forces would be extremely difficult to obtain. “‘Through a generosity for which I can never sufficiently express my gratitude, Mr. Van Rensselaer and the directors of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association made the great undertaking possible at last. The dream still would have remained unfulfilled, however, had it not been for the hard work and willingness of the orchestra; of all these dear people in the chorus, who have worked for more than a year, training for this night; of all the soloists, and of Henry Gordon Thunder, who has supported and helped me with most wonderful generosity. To the committee that tried thousands of voices, choosing this magnificent chorus, we are particularly indebted. “‘My final and greatest debt, a debt so great that I feel I never can express it, is to you, the public, for your warmth and understanding at the first hearing of this great work. It is a great inspiration.’ OFFERS OF $100 TO OBTAIN SEATS “Popular interest in the Mahler Symphony’s American première was evidenced by offers of $100 a seat, reported from several of the large hotels, just before the Academy doors were thrown open, and by more than 1000 persons, lucky holders of general admission tickets who stood in Locust Street, or sat on newspapers spread on the Academy steps, for hours before the performance was scheduled to start. At least 100 persons were waiting at 3.30 o’clock in the afternoon, braving the drizzle, for a chance at a good seat. “From 7 until 8 o’clock there was a steady stream of automobiles stopping at the Academy doors. All society and all musical Philadelphia streamed into the building. The stage door was besieged by the nearly 1000 chorus members, who were marshaled without a hitch or the raising of a voice into their places. Necessary readjustments on and off the stage, seating arrangements, provisions for the wardrobing of the great chorus and the engaging of understudies for each of the eight soloists cost, it was said, close to $4000. This sum, of course, did not include the great expense entailed in training the voices during the last twelve months.