The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-17

by Heinrich Conried, the new director OF
the Metropolitan Grand Opera Company.
Among them are school of opera" to
be opened September l: definite inten-
ton to produce ''ParsifaI' next Christ
mas at the Metropolitan Opera House
despite the opposition of Frau Wagner
and the difficulties of obtaining a full
score for the production ample details
in the plans for the Overhauling of the
opera house itself and the appointment
of Herr Carl LautenschIager. of the
Prinz Regenten Theater of Munich. as
technical director, with immediate view
TO the remodeling of the stage.
The services of the following singers
for the production of ''Parsifal," he an
nounced, had already been obtained:
Burgstaller. as Parsifal: Blass. as Cur
nemanz; Anton Van Rooy, as Amfor-
tas; Milka Ternina. as Kundry There
is a possibility also of Nine Nordica's
singing IN this opera. Jean de Reskze.
ne said had wired him ''all right about
proposition, but no confirmation by let
ter was yet to hand
A School of Opera.
Regarding the school of opera. to be
SitNSNtu III -NCN L VI n, MI SOuil6u Sdlu.
1T is intended for those who promise,
in my OVID and the opinion of certain
judges in whom I rely, to become great
singers. They must be volunteers and
must have already undergone a certain
amount Of training. They Will be given
free tuition, under American and Eu-
ropean tutors. whom l shall announce
later. and will receive no pay at first
They will be given small parts. but not
in the chorus, which is bad for the
voice. Several promising pupils have
already volunteered. including four
American women who. I think. are like
ly to become great favorites.'
The Much Discussed "Parsifal."
Regarding the production of ''Parsifal"
he said:
One feature of my first season will
be the production of .Parsifal.' For
the first time Americans in America will
be enabled to enjoy a masterpiece which.
till now, has been monopoIized by Bay
reuth. The utmost reverence Will be
evidenced in the Interpretation must
caliy, histrionically, and scenicalIy The
production of 'ParsicaT will, l have
reason 10 believe, be worthy Of the great
genius who created it.
Since my intention to produce Par
slfal' at the Metropolitan Opera House
became known, l have been subjected 10
much hostile and bitter criticism in Ger
many. Ny critics seem TO be under the
Impression that my decision va 8 arrived
at suddenly, and that was actuated less
by artistic than by sensational motives.
1t may be surprising, and perhaps inter
esting, to them to learn that shortly be-
fore the death of the distinguished An
ton seidl I had arranged with that Wag-
merriam of Wagnerfans for on American
production of 'Parsifal' Eight years ago
/ had offered DR.. Gross, the leading
representative OF Richard Wagner's
heirs, considerable sum for the au
thorization 10 produce .ParsifaI in this
country, although. as I informed him at
the time, I was we'll aware that it was
not protected here
The tine has passed Whea a master
like Wagner is regarded as the exclusive
property OF even his most intimate and
highest friends. True piety in this in
stance, l believe. lies IN spreading
abroad the knowledge and the enjoyment
OF the genius TO which not only Bay
reuth, but the world, is Indebted for
'Parsifal.'"
Both Old Operas and New.
OF the broad outlines of his policy.
he declared it was his hope and purpose.
provided he was supported by the Ameri-
can public to place grand opera in this
country on q permanent sensible and
artistic basis''
Under my management" he said.
american operagoers will have fire.
euent opportunities OF hearing the mas
ter works which they admire Many. !
and indeed. most, of the famous OPERAS
and grand music dramas which are al
ready familiar to them will be retained
IN the Metropolitan repertoire. and
should I be aided, as feel sure shall !
be, by the reasonable attitude of the |
great artists with whom they have been !
In the past seasons identified. they will |
in many instances be interpreted by the !
old favorltes
New operas and new singers will, /
however, also be assured a hearing. / !
shall produce operas with the co-opera-
ton of artists who, although favorites /
abroad, may to a majority of Americans !
be strangers.
Improving the Support.
My constant aim will be to assume /
fitting. artistically satisfying inter
probation of the works presented at the |
Metropolitan Opera House. and the per- |
formances will, venture to hope. be Ct !
such aIl-round excellence that whether |
the artists who take part in them be |
new or already known to Americans
there will be nc ground for unfavorablo |
criticism.
The Metropolitan orchestra and
chorus will be the objects OF, particular |
solicitude. The orchestra will be under |
the direction of conductors of the high |
est and most unimpeachable reputation, !
and every department of the MetropoIi- |
tan Opera House Will be in charge Of /
the most able and technically expert |
heads procurable.