New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-04-18
THE AMERICAN OPERA SEASON.
REVIEW BY The DIRECToRs-wHAT HAS BEEN
DEMONSTRATED.

REVIEW BY The DiRfCTURs-wHAT HAS BEEN
DEMONSTRATED.
The sidewalk in front of the stage entrance
the Academy Music was almost impossible yester-
day afternoon at the close OF the matinee performance
OF 1.-THE Flying Dutchman. which ended the season OF
the American Opera. Boxes of weighty contents ana
huge iron clasps bits Of scenery long rolls OF painted
and the odds and Of the world behind
the scenes. being out OF the building ny
an army OF workmen and placed In row ""'ins
trucka They were the last remnants OF the prop
critics and sceneries OF the company, winch,
with all the Others, will by tonight be safe
IN Boston. and for many weeks henceforth
will he wandering about the country The company 20
to Boston tonight by special train.
The directors of the American Opera Company have
submitted to the public review OF their first season
in New-York They refer to the need which seemed to
them TO exist In this country of the establishment OF
National Conservatory OF Music and a National opera
Full consideration of the problem convinced u.s.. they
say, THAT to he successful must build upon
broad educational foundation" The two
organizations, they point out are distinct
though one ia intended complement 10
the other. "How well have succeeded" they con-
after quoting from their first prospectus. Is per
best Indicated by the criticisms Of the press winch
summarized. may be said o he that the enterprise nas
pervaded by that Intelligent artistic feeling with
out which musical venture permanently succeeu'
that the orchestra chorus ballet and scenery are SUI
perIor to ANYTHING heretofore presented in ms
that he principle artists have only pecn cred ane,
but have agrreably surprised the public and ,n,a we
nave demonstrated THAT II Is possible TO give perform
of grand opera of the highest class with Anrr
artists r the roles usually occupied by foreign sing
ers'"
They refer to the charge that their opera was sung
In English by foreigners" and show that nine-tenhs "i
their singers of American birth. but al me sSme
time claim that heg only intended ON the first To give
American fair showing. The school they say
already developing some good vocrs and two nave
engaged by Mr.. Thomas for season. Ihcy ne
plore the want of conservatory upon scale equal 10
other universities and express the hope tat the
time IL MOI far distant when they may
build and support such n National institution.
They hope they have demonstrated that the country
entitled "a place IN the musical world. II may cost
soDehng during the constructive period to establish IL
"A permanent foundations. but that II Will be 80 es-
tabshcd there he donb and that as our ednca-
tpnal progresses shall constantly Improve III
the quality Of our work Our cities which we are
visit understand ts national character ahn
n warm welcome awaits us. We shall aim 10 produce
the of the best OF ali nations untl
In the progress Of musical evolution We shall hope at
American composers well American sing-rs VIII
confer honor upon country ana enable II In all
respects TO take its proper place among nations