The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-06-21

While many Birmingham musicians
have climbed the ladder of fame, two
among them have reached the much
coveted goal of grand opera.
These are Miss Carrie Bridewell, now
Mrs. Benedict of New York, and Miss
Norma Scholar.
Miss Eth ell Houston has sung for sew
eraI seasons with the Savage Opera
company which has produced many
beautiful operas in English, notably
Madame Butterfly and in which, in the
contralto role of suzilsa, she has scored
a great success.
But Miss Bridewell sang for several
seasons at the Metropolitan opera in
New York under the Grau regime ard
Miss Scholar less than year ago
was given a three years contract at
the opera in Essen, Germany.
Naturally great deal of interest
centers about a girl, from ones home
town who has surrounded all OBJ
stacles, financial and otherwise, and
with the ambition, the determination,
and the pluck to reach the top rung
of the ladder, comes back after these
years study abroad with the distinc-
ton of being the prima donna of one
of the famous opera houses in the land
of music-Germany.
When Miss Scholar first began to
sing in her home town it was often
remarked that she not only had the
voice but the physique and the tenn
permanent for the Wagnerian heroic
roles, in which she has since been
heard aboard.
And while love the German OPERA
laid Miss Scholar, AS I chatted with her
a few days after her arrival, land
made my debut as Elizabeth in Tam
hauser, my repertoire includes num-
Der of roles for lyric as well as dra-
matte soprano"
And is Elizabeth your favorite role?"
asked.
Il might say that the role I hap
pen to be singing is my favorite,'
replied Miss Scholar with charm
ling smile after hesitating moment,
but l really think l prefer Elizabeth
And then there are the three roles
in the Ring. Brunnhilde, Oh! I do
want to sing hose! I have studied
the first two; the Brunnhilde of Die
valkyrie and of Siegfried, and later
| I shall study Gotterdamerung. Isn't 1t
an odd coincidence that after making
nv debut as Elizabeth it was also the
last role I sang before leaving Ger
many?"
when you left here and went to
New York to study some years ago,
ala YOU then expect to sing in opera?'
I inquired.
"That was a matter that was en-
tirely up to my teachers was the re-
ply.
"Of course, / wanted to sing In OPP
era. but I simply put myself into the
hands of those who knew, and was
directed by them. I studied for two
years with Alice Garrigue Mott In New
York and she advised me to study Cor
onera. Then / decided to go to Europe.
rhrou 9Th the kindness of my sister and
nv ever kind, generous friends. Mr..
and Mrs. r. N. Wheeler, the way was
opened for me to pursue my studies
and YOU may depend upon 1t that
have taken advantage of every moment
of the time. Oh. I have studied and
worked so hard"
"And how did you get your contract
with the opera?' I asked.
when I first went to Berlin l took
nv own time about the selection of a
teacher. / decided finally upon Hof-
kapallmeister Richard Lowe and /
Goa ched with him. You know, he
coached Emmy Destinn and she is won
derful; and also Marie Labia. who made
such a hit at the Manhattan opera in
New York. The reputation that this
man has in Germany Is remarkable
not as a singing teacher, but for train
ling. / studied 20 roles with him and
then he made the opportunity for ME
- sing for the director OF the Essen