Maestro Paci has returned from Europe fully. recovered in health and exuding an extraordinary enthusiasm for the prospects of the forthcoming symphony concert season—the' twentieth under his direction. Even the sternest critics of himself and his orchestra cannot fail to be impressed by the exuberance of spirit with which he finds himself possessed, judging by the interview in this journal yesterday, to meet the dual-task of pleasing Shanghai's musical taste during the next winter months and justifying it before the almost monotonous annual judgment is attempted to be passed by economy advocates next spring. Maestro Paci's expectations are not likely to be unfulfilled for two generous financial grants have been made io continue the cause of good music in Shanghai and provide the assistance which a depleted municipal purse is unable to afford. "he French authorities have contributed $20,- 000 with the hope that a number of programmes may be dedicated exclusively to French compositions. The Italian Government, through its Ministry of Popular Culture, has donated 50,- 000 lire for the purchase of Italian music and its production in Shanghai Both donations are gratefully accepted and Maestro Paci therefore finds himself with unusual resources for realizing his ambitions this winter under the inspiration of a beneficial journey to Europe during which he conducted the famous Turin Orchestra and renewed his acquaintance with the musical leaders of his country. Apart from the cultural function of the orchestra, it is pleasant for the Shanghai resident, restricted from many usual haunts by political barriers and depressed by doubts, to find there is something in store in the next few months.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.