The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-02-26


conservatory aud American opera.
The opera is but the presen'a alton
in part Of what lies beyond it:eli, and
in this sense is the outcome Ci the
SCHOOL" The sympathy between the
two things, though they are entirely
distinct, is perfect. The school is de-
signed to offer 10 the best VOICES in
America the best training we can kive
them, but such a school without an
outlet in which the best pupils that 1t
trains may at the termination OF their
studies commence with honor the
career for which they have been edu:
Gated, would be thing unheard
of in the history Of music.
The American opera" supplies the
need thus indicated, though it's adj
vautages are by no means restricted to
this. II is, and must always remain
In the power OF the impresario, to
gather together all elements from
whatever quarter that may conduce
10 the success OF an enterprise. He
directs that he is in no way limited 10
the resources furnished by the school,
but ne is bound TO ignore no real tal-
emit that II offers, and to assign to the
possessors OF such the roles at his dis
posal when not impeiatively claimed
by the superior ability OF Others.
Thanks to the genius and ability Of
Theodore Thomas, to the energy oil
his able manager, Charles +. Locke,
and TO the assistance OF few public
spirited citizens, whose generous gym.
pathies were supplemented by iiaan'
cial aid, there has been gathered to.
gether from all parts OF the Unit I'd
States within q single year the mate
rial for a gland opera company. This
more or less crude II aterial has been,
with infinite skill, patience and judR-
ment, 30 trained that the results are
frankly hailed by press aud people
with exp1 sions Of astonishment and
delight. The mise-en scene, costumes
and accessories are acknowledged ar
tistic successes. They are OF Amer
can manufacture, from workshops &C.
tablished for the express purpose,
which have furnished employment Ia
hundreds. The orchestra is unrlyaled
the chorus exceptional, the ballet
graceful, and finally the star system
has been discarded as oppoeed
to the educational principles upon
which the opera is established
The sclo artists are, II not O
tranecendent excellence, at leas
deserving OF every encouragement iol
the talents exhibited and results
achieved. Enough has already beer
accomplished to demonstrate tina
many thinga which q year ago wer'
considered impossible were in reality
feasible, and are to-day fact. II II
evident that With moderate encour
agement American opera will become
permanently useiul and benehcis
institution. This has induced some o
Its most active supporters TO advocate
It's incorporation with a capita
Of $260,000. The desirability OF inter
ekting large number Of persons II
an enterprise OF this nature, with liza
bility limited to the amount Of stool
taken, would be evident In any case
but considering the spirit and purpos
OF the entire effort, such an incorpoia
ton assumes character almost O
necessity. 1t Ia, therefore, with
sense OF deepest satisfaction tina
l am enabled 10 announce tn
consent of Messrs. Thomas an'
Locke to transfer OF thei
interest and services In the enterprise
With this we have the qualification o
knowing that more than half OF thu
capital stock has been taken within
the last four weeks, and that the bal
ance will be placed as 1t may be re
quired. It Ia gratifying alec to rot
that financially, though THU
has been an after consideration
the venture has every pro'pect o
proving successful. Notwithstanding
that the only open dates at the Acad
envy Of Music were opera nights q. thu
Metropolitan, and that German opera
admirably rendered, drew, deservedly
large audiences, still the reception
that American opera has met upoI
its fret appearance has been ever
more generous than anticipated. AS
surances already received by Messrs
Thomas and Locke indicate ye
warmer reception throughout thu
States. The scenery being used an
10 preparation il constructed with
view to transportation, The publi
everywhere warmly favor the enter
prise, and an exceptionally libere
support ia in many places al
ready assured. II only remains 10
me now TO earnestly solicit your per
sonal interest and hearty cooperation
in an effort TO establish permanent!
and worthily the two great works tina
have been brought before you. The!
are undertaken in q spirit as broad a
that OF music itself, advocating n
special policy aud slaves OF no specia
school. We wish, like these Unite'
States, to extend a hand OF WELDON
to all. We aim at producing tn
best works OF the best composers G
every land. We are convinced that b
80 doing we shall assist more eff
GENTLY than by any other metho
the evolution OF what talent and mu
steal genius may exist among the 80
O00, 900 Of our people. America hold
to-day her fitting position In the d
mains OF science and letters. We be
lieye she only needs such bel
a. we are now indicatiD
| to do herself equal honor i
the domain Of music. Pursuing thi
broad policy, we appeal % strongly 4
the patriotism Of our adopted fellow
citizens as TO that OF those born upo
American god; indeed, the passing
a single generation makes American
of Us all. Il Ia for our children an
our childrens children that we ar
now combining to make such proviI
ion as shall be worthy Of them an
worthy OF ourselves and worthy
our common country.