, 1876-09-03
MAURICE STRAKOSCH


There is an affinity between dry goods and
music. After the entry Of the silk dress comes
the piano. The exquisite fabrics Of the looms
Of Lyons are never displayed to good advantage
unless at the concert or the opera.
The announcement that the great dry goods
house Of 4. T. Stewart s. Go. had concluded
to move their iobbing business to Chicago has
brought forth it's musical complement, just as
naturally as the icy bands Of winter disappear
in the spring, and arc followed by the song OF
the robin.
The prince of imprcssarios. Maurice Strakosch,
recognizing the eternal fitness Of things, has
come to the conclusion that Chicago is good
place to make an Investment. He is now ne
rotiatiug for site whereon to build an i'm
concerts, or musical festivals. Maurice is en-
tllusiastic and full OF Ehat the French call EN-
preSsenlcnt.
Last evening TRIBUNE reporter called on
the great opcratic manager at the Pacific Hotel,
where he arrived Friday from San Francisco.
The knight of the Fabcr found him surrounded
bv group of distinguished foreigners, whom
he afterwards learned were the French Ambas-
sador to Japan and his suite. They are en-
route for Paris, having been recalled on account
politics.
MAURICE sIRAkoscH,
the brother-1n-law Of the "diTine Patti,'' and
the brother Of Max, whose features are familiar
United States, is gentleman Of about 50 or 50
years, tall OF stature and we'll built. "A short,
thick, darll-colored mustachc gives him semi
military air. His face is round, full, and ex-
prcssiye OF a man WHO is on good terms with
himself and all the world. He wears plain
travelling suit cut in mild English style. In
manner lie possesses to remarkable degree
that sayoir faire which is only attainable after
years Of hard work in reconciling Jealous prna
donnas and Keeping the peace between refrae-
tory tenors.
siGood eyeaing, Mr.. Strakosch,'' said the In
tcrrosation point, as he presented bis card.
- u am ,,s'; ve5y happy Of the honor; what can
ssTuE TRIBUNE has heard that you contenl-
plate erecting here a large opcra-housc or con-
ccrt-hall, and would be pleased to know if there
be any foundation for tue ru1nor."
"fes, sir, can assure you it is d fact. Chi
cago is great city. There are
oSLi THREE CITIES IN As1zn1cA,-
Chicago, San Francisco, and New York. am
going to build ali opera-house in San Francisco
which will cost 81 100000"
s'How far have your negotiations proceeded
for the purchase Of a lot in this city?''
II have talked with several gentlemen to
day, and have looked at several pieces Of prop
erty. There is one piece, in particular, which
would like to obtain. shall probably close for
it in the course Of two or three days.''
.Wh2t style OF building do you propose to
IA large concert-hall, such as they have in
Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Lon
don. / propose to build ono Which will hold
about 4,O00 or 5000 people, with stage accom-
nlodations for 500 persons, SO that it can be
used formusical festivals.'
"Do YOU contemplate having the stage SO
arranged that you eau give operatic representa-
tions.''
"Ccrtainly. but that feature is subject for
after-consderation. The opera is an exotic in
this country; it is very expensive, and-7e1cuse
yellow envelope, ''this may require an
answer"
The opcratic diplomat for moment became
immersed in Visions Of wealth as he read the
ing to know if he could announce Beiocca for
an appearance in Philadelphia on the 11th.
You have not heard
BELoccA?"
continued the genial impressario.
The reporter confessed that he had not en-
!" Oh, she is a great artist. At her benefit in
San Francisco she received $500. It was an
ovation. The people were infatuated with her.
There are only three great artists in the world
Patti, Nilsson, and Brlocca. But you shall hear
thu great Bclocca- She will sing here this sea-
son. am going to build 2 concert-hall here
Which will rival the great La Scala OF Milan. Chi
cago is fine city, great city, and 1t has no
conrert-hall, and its theatres ere not suitable
for the production of opera"
s.What are the prospects Of a season Of opera
this winters'
1.-THE opera is an exotic in this country and
very expensive" and Maurice shrugged his
shoulders as he thought Of the Albani season.
II intend to give q few concerts here early in
the season, and it may be that later may give
= short season OF opera"
When do you expect to commence opera
tons on the concert-hall!"