The Musicians’ Club gave a dinner last night in honour of Sir Frederick Cowen on the occasion of his 80th. birthday.
Sir Edward Elgar, Sir London Ronald, Sir Hugh Allen, Lord Justice Greer and Viscountess Snowden spoke, and telegrams of congratulation to Sir Frederick were received from the Guildhall School of Music on behalf of the City of London, Sir Hamilton Harty and the Halle Orchestra, Mr. Ben Davies, and Dame Clara Butt and Mr. Kennerly Rumford.
About 400 guests were present, and Sir Frederick accompanied a programme of his works performed by Miss Irene Scharrer, Miss Isolde Menges, Miss #ouise Maurice, Miss Joyce Newton, and Mr. Charles Mayhew.
When I entered the musical world in London in 1884 I was an utterly unknown person, Sir Edward Elgar said. I wrote two or three tentative letters to eminent conductors saying that I had essayed several forms of composition. Frederick Cowen was the only one who answered. He replied, saying he would gladly look over my compositions. That was the beginning of over forty-five years of unbroken friendship.
Sir Frederick Cowen was a very great conductor indeed, Sir Edward continued, and had been a dominating factor in the musical life of Britain since 1875.
Sir Landon Ronald, speaking from the chair, emphasised Sir Frederick Cowen’s great services to British music. This he had accomplished without ever lowering for a moment the high standard of art he had always demanded.
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