The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1908-04-19
AMERICAN GIRLS TRIUMPH
SUCCESSFUL INVASION OK.
EUROPE'S OPERA 1HOUSES.

ImpresariOs Engage Them Because nsy
Please the Public aOme VINE Have
Won ImDOrtant Places IN Famous COm.
panIes-Outery From Native singers.
They're talking more than ever about
the American invasion over in Europe this
season. The talk 10 greatest in the opera
houses. In no previous season have 20
many American singers made successful
hrst appearances. and never before have
% many American girls secured posts that
are a guarantee Of ability,
II used to be common enough for an
American girl With a certain amount Of
money 10 20 10 Brescia or Parma or other
Italian city aud buy herself the honor Of
an operatic debut. II was in that period
OF musical history that the Chicago girl
sent a telegram to her father.
Great success," it nan. Called ont
fifteen times. Cable 5000 more immedi-
ately.'
At present this plan prevails only in
Italy. In France an American singer with
a certain amount ~ talent may through
the influence Of her teacher get an oppor-
tunlty 10 appear for a very small sum.
But the American women who are to-day
calling out hyste1cal protests against the
American invasion are Of quite another
sort.
The indignation their success arouses
sinks deep into the hearts Of their col
leagues. The German court theatres re-
echo with the signs OF too heity dramatic
sopranos at the advent Of the horde Of
chic Americans, and there ia just az much
lamentation. expressed with the greater
vivacity Of the Latin nature, in the dressing
rooms Of Italy and France, Probably the
feeling on this subject could be learned best
by inducing Emmy Destinn to tell hor
opinion OF Gerry Fanur.
For the American girl Is no longer an
aspiring inoomp etent hoping 10y means
Of remittances from home to follow in the
path Of her compatriots such az Clara
Louise Kellogg, Marie Durand and Lillian
Nordica. One need only read the list OF
American singers who have achieved real
positions for themselves in Europe to realize
how changed is the situation, lmpre-
sarios want them for the excellent reason
that they please the public.
The experience Of the latest New York
Girl TO be engaged abroad Is typical Of the
way Of their progress, Miss May Schneider
sang as an amateur. and after the death
Of her father, a New York merchant, de-
cided 10 make use Of her gifts as a means
Of livelihood.
She wanted the advice Of an artist and
got an introduction 20 Mime. Sembrich,
The prima donna heard her sing and gave
her a letter TO Giovanni Lamperti. Miss
Schneider without further ceremony moved
to Berlin.
That was four years ago. She stuck to
her work even In the summer months.
following Signor Lamperti into his summer
retreats In order 10 have the benefit Of
his instruction. During all these years
Of preparation she never appeared outside
his private concerts Of pupils.
Last winter when he decided that she
was ready TO make a trial he allowed her
20 sing at Cassel. She made an agreeable
Impression on the director. who told her
that he felt the need Of her services but
was not then free 10 offer her a contract.
Miss Schneider had already been invited
20 Zurich to sing in the Stadt Theatre,
90 she could not wait on the Cassel director.
At Zurich she was to sing three roles before
the management gave a decision, But
two roles we're enough. The part Of MorthG
was never reached. She had only sung
Filind and Mdrpssrie in lies H~uguenots'
when she was engaged for thTes years.
or course such a success was entirely the
result OF her own ability. After accepting
the contract with Zurich she received an
offer OF a two year contract at Cassel.
Felix Weingartner selected from a large
number Of applicants Gertrude Rennyson
20 be the lyric soprano Of the Imperial
Opera House in Vienna, whore Edyth Walker
won her European fame. Miss Kenny
con is one Of the group Of American singers
that Henry W. Savage presented to the
European operate stage.
New York made the acquaintance OF
Miss Rennyson at the Broadway Theatre
when she sang Mimi and EIsd during the
s,asoa that also introduced to local au-
diences Jane Ludwig. now favorably known
in Europe as jane Noria, and Marion Ivell,
who has won less fame but plenty Of com
mendation In Nantes.
Among those who preceded Miss Kenny
son was Nvonne de Treville, who Ia al
ways a welcome guest now in the foreign
orera house and has preferred TO journey
from one TO another ns a star rather than
become a member sof any permanent or
ganization. She passes from Russia TO