National Republican., 1877-03-11
MISS EMMA c. THURSBY.
Tho Triumph OF an American Prima Donna
Her Lucrative Engagement TO Mr.. stra-

=
Her Lucrative Engagement to Mr.. stra-
koseh.
tBy Teicgra N TO the National Republican,
NEW YoRK, March 10-One of the most
BRILLIANT musical engagements ever made by an
Amcricsn singer was made on Monday last by
Miss Thursby, the leading member Of tho Broad
way Tabernacle church choir, in this city. Tho
particulars Of this engagement, which we print
herewith, arc from source Of unqucstionable
authority.
On Monday last Mr.. Maurice Strakosch signed
o contract with Miss Thursby, in which she, on
her part, agreed to sing in concerts under his
direction In America and In Europe during tho
three years following the I'd OF April next, and
he, on his part, agreed to pay her 100000, to.
gethcr with the hotel, travelling and Incidental
expenses Of herself and sister, who will accom-
psny her.
In addition, ho also binds himself to give her
the months of July and August In each year for
rest and allows her TO retain all her present en-.
gagomonts up to the Goth Of May next, including
her cngas omont to sing at tho forthcoming an
del and Haydn festival in Boston. stu further
he grants her tho right to sing in private concerts
in Europe q concession which will be worth to
htr FULLY 5000 yoar.
Such terms for concert tour have perhaps
mover neen made in this country by singer in
MisS Thursby's position. Any European prima
donna might and would bo proud Of them. Tho
Broadway Tabernacle church, on learning Of the
possibility of their losing Miss Thursby, m lde
the strongest efforts to keep her. She is now re-.
eeiving from thom salary OF o., 600 ycar, and
perquisitos amounting to perhaps ~ Ooj beside.
Miss Thursby will sing In this country until
the: beginning of next year, and will probably
mako her irst appearance In London next March.
She leaves New York on Monday next for q tour
in the West, where she will appear at eight con-
certs in company with Ole Bull and Madame Es-
sipoff. Mr. Strakosch has the direction Of this
enlargement also, which, however, 10 entirely In
dependent OF her great three years engagement.
On hor return from the West she will visit Mad.
II was at q concert given In Boston In the win
ter of 1875 BY the Harvard Musical Association
that Miss Thursby made her hrst public success.
On that occasion her famo was brought into ex-
istenes. It has grown over since. Hor engage
ments in Plymouth church, in DR.. Porter
church, Williamsburg, and In DIR. Chapin's
church, in this city, are Of recent date, and are
well known. She never took singing lesson
until tho summer Of 1876, when she became the
pupil Of Madame Rudersdorf.
| II is understood that strong Efforts were made
| by Mr.. Strakosch to induce Miss Thursby to sing
In opera under his direction. This Miss Thursby
| positively and persistently refused to do; and
| her objections are believed to be insuperablo.
The most earnest and protracted urging has thus
far been Of no avail.
A lady who knows her intimately raid this
morning ~ think she is q perfect woman
| never knew before such sweetness and such un
| selhshncsa, She is the soul OF honor. If she
says Yes " is Yes; she is brave to speak the
| voices; wonderful in its extent, most sympa
| thetic, most pure. She Ia prima donna already
and her future is glorious and secure" These
are Of course the enthusiastic praises OF friend
good will both OF the public and Of her associate
| artists.