New-York tribune., 1896-10-07
RETURN OF COLONEL MAPLEsoN.
THE GENIAL IMPREsARIO TELLS OF HIS
PLANS FOR DELlGHTING OPERA-GOERS.

Once again Colonel J. II. Map,eson has come 70
these shores with that same expressive smile ana
portIy presence which are known so well In this
country and In every other country where opera
lovers congregate Ii has been three whole years
since the famous impresaro was last In America
but a sort of soace for his long absence ne
this time to quote his own WORDS prepared
to astonsh and delight the American public az II has
been astonished or delighted before Opumisuc
10 the last degree almost this prediction OF his
when Il is recalled that since so far back as ls'o
the Colonel has led operate enterprises in TINS
country and has introduced to the people OF the
United States many singers whose fame Is world
vide In his long career Colonel Mapleson has di-
rected fewer than 500 operate performances
and about $500 concerts.
One particular page in his record upon when ne
delights to dwell. is that ne discovered Patti Last
night to a Tribune reporter. at the Albehare
Hotel, he retold the story OF how In 1850 he nrst
gave Nine. Patti an engagement. She agreed
then to appear four nights without pay, the un-
derstandng being that IL he approved her she
should have regular engagement. After 'hose
four nights" said Colonel Mapleson. Il agreed 10
give her 5000 week. and she had TO sing six nights
a week. Twenty-Five years later was paying hcr
5000 night"
Time apparently stands still with Colonel Maple
son. The last five years have, to all appearances.
passed over his head as but day. Beyond the
fact that perhaps his hair is little whittier ne Is
unchanged. He still has that jovial. hor.d coun-
tenance, tnat imposing presence. anu tHdl pIqua"'
curl Of the moustache. now as white as snow.
Colonel Mapeson's season will open on October
2G at the Academy Of Music. 1t will extend over
only sixteen nights Afterward the New Imperial
Opera Company. 1t is called. will make a tour OF
the United States for six months, and Will visit
nearly all the large cities. Colonel Mapleson VIII
bring here many artistes. who have never appeared
before an audience in this country The Tribune
has already announced the names Of most Of these.
Colonel Mapeson last night evaded discussing
either the individual or comparative merits Of his
new singers you know" he said, 81 like to sur
prise the public and to let them form their own
judgment. have been two years in getting this
company together and now am perfectly satisfied.
Is 1t necessary, then, for me to say anything
more:
operas from which can select, and as nave pre-
sented nearly every one of them in New-York can
judge pretty well which will be most acceptable
here But have one new opera that is destined
Chener. This Is the only real opera that has been
produced In the last twenty years In Europe II
has created 4 verable furor. It's story is thrill
ing its melodies charming. and its insrumenta-
tion is perfect. When 1t was produced at La Scala
sought after by all who heard the opera and
one. young woman SO pIned and fretted for an in
PRODUCTION that at last she obtained IT, Now sne Is
to be married to him. and. say, she Is worth AlW,-
~o. She and Giordano viii come oyer ,I here on on
intend the production Of the opera while he Is
here
Il have brought my own scenery ana costumes ;iT ss
with me. and the ensemble OF my productions Will be
as perfect business foresight and experience can
make It. All my operas will be given in the Italiap
language" i.
| When Colonel Mapleson and dozen members Of
the Imperial Opera Company arrived in this port
| yesterday on the steamship New-iork Mr.. Kelly.
| manager Of the Theatrical Workers Union, made
complaint against four OF the company that they had
been brought 10 this country in violation or the
! Contract Labor law. He alleged that they were
merely property men, while they declared that - they
w.re singers These men-Thomas Hicks, Peter
| Davis. Frederick John Liitledick and Monsieur
Eme-were prevented from landing under the tne
taken to Ellis Island 70 nave their cases passssd
Hiireau OF Contract Labor. Mr. Quinlan could find
no evidence TO substantiae the charges and released
I the