Music: Philadelphia Conductors

When neuritis and an automobile accident lamed Leopold Stokowski’s arm so that he was forced to ask for a year’s leave of absence (TIME, May 9), music-lovers wondered who would be selected to direct the famed Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.

Last week Arthur Judson, manager, announced six guest conductors of international reputation: Fritz Reiner (Cincinnati Symphony), Ossip Gabrilowitsch (Detroit Symphony), Willem Mengelberg (New York Philharmonic), Frederick Stock (Chicago Symphony), Sir Thomas Beecham (London Symphony), Pierre Monteux (onetime of the Boston Symphony).

Mr. Reiner will open the season, will conduct more concerts than any of the others. All these musicians have been heard in Philadelphia with the exception of Sir Thomas Beecham, who is best known in England, whence he recently departed in disgust because the government subsidized radio concerts.

Although, arrangements have not been technically concluded, Philadelphia may hear its symphony orchestra under direction of Arturo Toscanini in two concerts toward the close of the season. He will be in the U. S. next year as conductor of the New York Philharmonic.