The Boston Symphony Orchestra gave the first of the winter series of concerts at Sanders Theatre last night before an audience completely filling the house. It is unfortunate that Harvard men do not take advantage of this opportunity to hear an orchestra which rivals any in the country, when it gives concerts in our own midst. Certainly the most unmusical man could enjoy such a programme as given last night. It was not of the heavy classical compositions which the ordinary person cannot appreciate, but every selection was particularly musical, and interesting. The first number was the overture "Barber of Bagdad," by Peter Conelius. It was given first in Boston three weeks ago, and has had the most favorable criticism. It is unique and rather characteristic, but its form is not definite, nor its melodies interesting. Miss Marguerite Hall was the soloist for the evening. She appeared twice, singing an aria from Judas Maccabaeus, and two songs by Herschel. Her voice is very sweet and emotional, but has not the power and fullness for a large theatre. Her home is certainly in rooms. The orchestra should not attempt an accompaniment and give such wretched support as it did last night, without more rehearsals. The "Adagio" and "Gavotte" by Bach for strings were interesting and musical.

The orchestra showed its great techinal skill and wonderful finish in the "Leonore, No. 3." overture. The violin passages in the conclusion were played with an exactness which can never be excelled. By far the most interesting suite the orchestra employed, is Moszkowski's suite in F, every one of the five movements bringing enthusiastic response from the audience. Each is very characteristic, and brings out some peculiar feature of the orchestra. In the first movement is a tuba solo, in the third, a flute solo, variation of a theme, also a variation with whole stringed orchestra pizzicatto and the last movement, the "Perpetum Mobile," is a fine piece of counterpoint.

The programme was much more varied than usual, and Mr. Gericke certainly should be pleased at his reception in Cambridge.