Broadcasting good music, like casting bread upon the waters, sometimes has unexpected returns. When Manhattan's Metropolitan Opera started its current campaign to raise $1,000,000, it hoped for widespread giving, naturally expected most from Manhattan's operagoers. Last week the fund's contributions had reached $677,344. Almost a third of this sum had trickled in from small contributors who knew the Met only from its Saturday afternoon broadcasts.
Among 102,500 radio listeners who sent contributions of 50ยข to $5, some made touching sacrifices. One family gave up its Sunday roast to send $1.71. From an old ladies' home came $1.75. One dollar bill came...