Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-12-15
BRATTLEBORO SINGERS ABROAD.
Personal Experiences in Berlin and London
SINGING BEFORE ROYALTY.

Mary Howe LAWNS Description OF Her
Reception by the herman Emperor at
the Royal Opera House In weIsbaden.
From the December vermonterl
Having been requested by the editor of
the Vermonter to give an account OF my
appearance before Kaiser Wilhelm at the
ROYAL Opera House, in Wiesbaden, l will
endeavor to give an idea of the evenings
performance, which was for me an occa-
sion of great interest and satisfaction.
The Royal Theatre at Wiesbaden, ranks
in its appointments, as in the beauty OF its
architecture, with the finest in the world,
and. thanks to a generous subventlon from
the Prussian government, is able to main
tain a stock company of the very first rank,
both for opera and the drama. Every class
of opera, from the Wagner and classical
repertory to the modern light operas, and
ali the dramatic works Of Goethe, Schiller
and Shakspere, as we'll as the modern So
ciety plays and comedies, are to be seen
there interpreted by first rate artists.
The orchestra, which in addition to its
work in operate performances, gives every
season series of symphony concerts, is
exclusively occupied at the theatre, and
ranks with the famous orchestras OF Dres-
den, Berlin and Vienna.
Under the direction of Herr Intendant
Georg Won Huelsen, and owing to his great
executive ability and artistic taste, the OPP
cratic and dramatic festivals (Festspiele)
given in the month of May, at Wiesbaden,
have attained a worldwide reputation
During the festival season Wiesbaden,
with its miles of beautiful parks and love
ly surrounding country, is seen at its best,
and attracts tourists and art lovers from
all parts of Europe and America.
On the occasion of one of His Majesty's
visits to Wiesbaden, in May, 1898, the OPP
era chosen, "auf allerh0shsten Befehp' (by
royal command) was Rossini's masterpiece,
"The Barber of Seville" and l was cast
for the role of "Rosna."
As usual on state occasions, the theatre
was deliberately decorated with garlands Of
flowers and foliage which produce, in COM
bination with myriad electric lamps, an in
describably charming effect.
The hour of the performance was set for
$780, which for German custom is late
hour, the rule being o'clock, or for ex
tremely long works $3.50. On such occa-
sions full dress is obligatory, and applause
is not expected except as led by the Kai-
ser.
The entrance of the royal party was
heralded by prolonged flourishes by eight
trumpeters dressed in ancient German cos
tune, who were stationed at the centre of
the second balcony. On the appearance of
His Majesty in the royal box the audience
rose, the Kaiser making the military sa-
Lutte, and afterwards giving the signal for
the performance to proceed. 1t would be
unnecessary to describe the performance,
which went as smoothly as one could wish.
The artists certainly had no occasion to
complain of any lack of recognition from
His Majesty, who followed the piece with
the keenest interest and applauded fire.
quently.
After the performance was concluded l
was summoned to the royal box to receive
the personal expression of the Kaiser S
pleasure in listening to my singing. | was
the more pleased at his approval, as it was
quite evident from his conversation that
he had thorough understanding of must
cal art.
In bearing most digni6ed, yet amiable,
there was no trace of distant and forbid
ding royalty, but rather the perfect manner
and kindly nature which we love to ascribe
to the true gentleman. After some CONVEX
sation about musical matters, carried on in
English, and cordial handshaking with
"Good- bye--I am very glad to have you at
Wiesbaden," my first experience in sing
ing before royalty was at an end.