The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1885-03-08
IN AMERICAN SCHOOL OF OPERA.
Thssders Thomas No at TIE Head OF =
New Musical Esserprlse.

Early last week Theodore Thomas was rc-
uuested to submit proposition TO the Board
Of Directors of tho Metropolitan Opera House
In regard to the terms upon which he might he
willing to become musical director OF that in
stitution. lilo declined. not because he did not
wish to be concerned In any operate enter,
prise. but because he is Interested In an UNDER
taking which no thinks promises to play an
important part In shaping the future OF must
cal nrt In this country. He proposes 10 turn
the Academy OF Music into I'm American Sc DOL
OF Opera.
The idea OF such school originated with
Mrs. Francis B. Thurber. one OF the most
earnest and honest champions of music in New
York. who will give Mr.. Thomas much practl-
cal aid in carrying out the plan. This con-
ductor believes that tho projected institution
may become an educational factor OF the high
est value. and has shown his confidence in it
by accepting the musical directorship withou:
compensation until such time as the school
experience with his choruses leads him to
credit this country with good percentage OF
excellent voices. He has also found In MS sing,
enthusiasm. He believes that. II proper opror-
tunity for study is offered. sufficient number
of Americans would soon become proficient in
the various arts called into play in an operntic
performance TO make II possible to give opera
in English with company all OF whose men,
bers will be Americans.
The funds necessary to carry out tina plan on
q large scale have already been secured. and
corps Of instructors. Everything pertaining to
opera will be taught: singing. acting. bale;
erations are to begin early in tho fall. and the
public will have an opportunity TO Judge OF
what will be accomplished between t that time
Which. the Academy Of. Music has been secured
from January neat. No invidious rivalry with
other operate enterprises Is proposed. The
performances will fall between the carry winter
and spring. seasons OF Italian opera. II there be
season at the Metropolitan, the American
representations will be given on on nights.
Annual performances are to be feature OF the
school. SO that the public will be- able to Judge
OF the advance made every year.
duce in the brief space between the coming fall
and next January singers Capable OF sustain
ng sss With arss Of eT M
origin in this country and abroad. such as Miss
Nevada and Miss Van Zandt. The institution
enter it on the payment OF q tuition fec On
the contrary. there will not only not be tuition
fee. but the pupils will be paid. 1t is, not un-
themselves possessed OF talent in one or the
other, OF the several branches OF art which are
called into play in operate performances. and
desiring to become professionals. will apply for
admission TO the school, II found to have tai
salary TO enable them to devote themselves eX-
clusivsly 10 their studies at the institution;
According 20 the progress they make they Will
be ass igned to duty in the performances.
Mr.. Thomas proposes to pursue n thoroughly
practical method. He will not begin by bring
inR out difficult operas. although he expects
the pupils TO advance gradually to point
where it will be possible TO give with an Ameri-
can company and in English the masterworks
OF all schools Of opera. For next season he
will select those operas which are the least
difficult to produce. For the follDwing season
Mr.. Thomas hopes to produce Wagners music
dramas. All matters relating to the mise IN
OF New York.
It is not unlikely that. through the American
School Of Opera. the foundation OF q school OF
national opera will DO laid. Prizes will be Of
fered annually for the best libretto by. an
American on an American subject and the hest
The projectors have issued circular in which
they modestly say: Nothing will be promised:
no pretensions made. All Twill be gathered into
form and placed before the American public
for their just criticism" The stockholders OF
the Academy are heartily in sympathy with
the project.