The Prescott daily news., 1907-05-18
(Copy right by J. B. Bowles.)

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 (Copyright by J. B. Bowles)
 (Mme. Nordica's first appearance in public was when at 15 years of age she sang as Lillian Norton in the choir of a church in Boston. Later she sang with Gilmores band, and thus secured money to study abroad After a few years in Italy she made her first great success in grand opera in St. Petersburg. Her later distinguished career in the cap itals of Europe and in this country IS well known In private life she IS Mlne' Zoltan Dome)
 The singer who would have career must begin almost in infancy, uncon- sciously, perhaps, at first, and directed oftentimes by the tender training of a far-seeing mother, as was my own good fortune. Later, as the years ad- vance and the aim and end of things became more surely recognized, art as sumes the place of first importance in ones life; if it does not, there is no call to a career. But all this period of preliminary training and hard work fs but the preface to the book which holds so many chapters.
 When young woman steps out on tbe stage she emerges from the pri- vate schoolroom of the studio into the public one of the theater. There her hardest lessons have to be learned, her hardest battles fought. Much may present itself to her in a light that will disillusionize, but the beauty and no- bility of her art will STOW more strong ly with her appreciation and prove at
 
 sation for the unpleasant side of things.
 
 In the making of a prima donna there is nothing more important than recognizing an opportunity when 1t arrives. The great chances are not presented at the very outset.
 One recollection comes to me very vividly of an experience of my own. When Mr. Gilmore. then in the zenith of his success, offered me an engage ment to tour in concert with his or ganization many friends considered it beneath the dignity of my position to sing about the country with a brass band" as they put it. But l went quietly ahead and accepted the oppOr- tunity. The tour extended not only ! throughout America but Great Britain, and finally 10 Paris. At the end of 1t had saved sufficient to fulfill my plans and 10 go to Italy to make final preparations for a grand opera career. The darkest moments and the most serious misgivings are apt to precede the best success. After singing Elsa 1 in "Lohengrin" in America and Eng and, accepted the invitation of Mme Wagner to create the role at the fest spiel performance in Baireuth. The ordeal was a severe one, and days of arduous study and rehearsal followed my arrival there Diversions were planned for me by the great com poser's widow, and the members of her family to tighten the strain upon my mind and every faculty, but go where I might the great festspiel- haus seemed to pursue me with it's 1 shadow.
 Ofteuer than once l was tempted to have my things packed and flee from l the ordeal. But after wakeful nights of anxiety the morning hours would | find me again preparing for the test 1 that had been decided upon. When that test was over, the way had been paved for the study of the Brunnhilde l and Isolde. the final end and aim of those who would rightly claim the title of dramatic singers.
 High ideals and high aims mark out for one a thor1y path which can be trodden but step at a time with | the end always in view, and the uu- varying rule to do to the best of ones powers and abilities the task that the i moment presents.
 
 Tn the making of prima donna | Italy is the best field for training, be- l cause of the great number of theaters | in small towns where opera is con- stantly presented. First, however, be- l fore a thought of this debut in opera, the American girl who wishes to be a prima donna must have undergone a thorough vocal training in her own | country. When the foundation is once 1 laid comes the time to consider foreign i study and not before. During the earlier and vitally important period