The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-16
Nilsson 60 Remain In Amcricn-A D,iIslnMa
Pr0spect for OPERA.

Pr0spect for Oprra.
We understand contract was signed yss-
terday between Miss Nilsson and Mr.. Max
Strakosch, by which the famous and charming
prima donna has accepted al engagement to
perform IN opera next fall and winter. Thi
engagement is for hundred performances.
and, Of course, New York is to have the BEN
eff Of the greater part though Philadelphia,
Boston and other cities may expect to BIO ia
vored also. In addition to the best talent that
can be found in America to assist Miss Nilsson
and to give opera in style tina. has never yex
been seen in this couatry, Mr.. Strakosoh
has engaged to bring from Europe
several artists Of the very first class ann
highest reputation. This arrangement has
been und n discussion for some time past, and
Mr.. Jarrett. Miss Missions agent, and Mr..
Strakosch, have been fencing like two skilled
diplomatists, as to the conditions of the con-
tract; but that is ended now by settlements
entirely satisfactory to all the parties. In tho
meantime Miss Nilsson has made preliminary
or supplemental engagement with Mr.. S.ra-
kosch for spring season Of performances,
beginning at some of the principal Sout era
cities, then to 60 to California, and to end
some time In June in the British provinces or
at the chief bordering American towns After
that Miss Nilsson will spend the summer
months with her friends at West Point, among
the mountains Of New England, Newport and
other places of fashionable resort Appre-
ciating highly our glorious country, she
desires to 500 as much of it as possible and to
mingle with American society. As proof Of
her appreciation of America and Americans
she has invested largely in property here, and
wherever her professional interests may cah
her hereafter she appears disposed to identify
herself with the future of the great republic.
TIL. musical world and all lovers Of opera
will learn with pleasure that we have such
brilliant prospect before u.s. No doubt tbs
coming operate season will be the theme a
conversation at the watering places during the
summer and that or fashionable society win
make timely preparations for tais event. Nor
will it depend upon certain stockholders q
the Academy Of Music whether this shall take
place or not. If we cannot have opera In
Irving place, through the selfshness and want
of public spirit on the part of the stock
holders, we shall have it elsewhere. This is
certain. True, the Academy il the proper
pllce, and both Miss Nilsson and the enter
pr.sing manager, Mr.. Strakosch, would
rather hold 1t there but this cannot
be unless the stockholders make some
concession-yield something-for the sake Of
art and to the public Mr.. Strakosch has
made very reasonable proposition to the
executive committee of the Academy, and 1t
remains to be seen if they will acoeie to it
He proposes to rent the building for nine to
eleven weeks on reasonable terms, provided
that the stockholders, while retaining the priv
ilege Of their seats, shall pay half the price Of
admission charged 10 the public for seats, and
that in case they are not going to attend any
performance they shall give twenty -four hours
notice TO the manager to that effect, In order
that he may dispose of them, that the public
may have the chance Of taking them, and that
the interests Of opera may not be damaged by
vacant places in the best part of the house.
The manager properly insists al,o that the
stockholders shall not sell or give away their
seats. There are some other conditions
with regard to the sale of librettos and
other matters of less importance, but
which ought to be conceded to him. What u
more reasonable? Why shoild the stock
holders, like the dog in the manger, withhold
these concessions to tho public and the
manager for the sake Of trH ng amount,
when they can retain the right of holding
their seats by only giving timely notice to that
effect? We can hardly believe they will be
so selfish and show such disregard to the pub
lie. Let them come together and at once give
cheerful assistance to tho establishment Of
opera on the unpr ccdented scale promised.
Let them remember it is the public in crest,
the interest Of our ma snfcent metropolis and
the cultivation OF the high st musical taste for
which we plead. Opera, such as has never
been heard in New York befor,, probably, We
shall have, for that is decided; but il is foz
the stockholders to say whether it shall be
in the Academy or DO driven TO some othes
locality.