The San Francisco call., 1913-09-12
SoNGBIRDs }: FLYING !, THIS WAY| !,
Leahy and Patrizi Offer Latin OPERA
Leoncavallo Is
Engaged as the
Musical Director
BY WALTER ANTHONY

There We're many who feared that
with the construction of his modern
and elegant opera house Doc
Leahy's plans for the future, with
particular reference to the presen-
station of grand opera. would undergo
change, and this snpposition was
grounded largely, though falsely, on
the engagement of the Chicago grand
opera company for the opening of the
new Tivoli last March. Seven dollars
per seat didn't sound much like the
old Tivoli however much the price
was justified in the expensive organi-
zation secured.
What we want from the Tivoli is
fine opera to fit slim purses. and if
the demand for such has been insist
ent 1t is because the old Tivoli taught
us that such happy combination as
grand opera and modest purses were
not necessarily strangers.
1t is therefore, with some pleasure
that have to inform you that all
barriers between an October grand
opera season and music lovers have
been leveled, and though, for a time
ii was uncertain whether the princi-
pals could be secured, even Ruggiero
LeoncavaIlo himself all doubts are
now at rest as the Western Metro
politan Grand opera company, sired
by Ettore Patrizi. godfather of Ital-
ian music In San Francisco. and Eu-
gene d'Avigneau. well known here aa
tions, announce the opening of their
company at the Tivoli Monday even
ing, October 13, with the composer of
"Pagliacci" at the directors stand and
Carmen Melis, star of Covent Garden,
Hammersteins Manhattan and other
great opera organizations as the
prima donna.
And the prices for the expensive
organization promised will begin at
so cents and range no higher than 81
for the best seats in the house. ex-
elusive of the boxes
1t would have been too bad to
haze missed season of italian grand
opera this year, particularly as it is
the centenary of verdfs birth, and
San Francisco has been chief in ad-
miration of Verdi and his school of
lyricism among all the cities of
America. The repertory has been ar
ranged with the significance of this
fact in mind, and many of verdrs
operas will be given. Those selected
thus far are "TLombardi9 "Ernani."
'Ballo in Maschera." La TravIata."
"Rigoletto,' I'll Trovatore,g Aida"
and "Othello"
AS this is also the Wagnerian CEN
tenary Goo years from his birthday,
operas from the German masters pen
will be "Lohengrin" and
"Tannhauser" The works Of the
French school will not be overlooked.
productions of Carmen and "Thaisa
being promised
Naturally, in view of the presence
of the composer himself. the works of
Leoncayallo will be important in the
schedule Of offerings. "5s aza, "'TZin-
gari and ''Pagliacci' are promised.
AS evidence of the pleasure that
other musicians and musical interests
are taking in the enterprise of Patrizi
and Jeahy. Henry Hadley of the San
Francisco symphony orchestra has
agreed to associate himself with the
organization to serve it in any ca
pacity possible. 1t is probable that he
will appear as a guest conductor, and
Leandro Campanari, formerly director
of the Manhattan Opera company. who
Is now in this city. has also consented
to lend his distinguished energies and
talents to the cause Of good Latin
music.
Carmen Melis, the prima donna of
the company. Is described as being a
magnetic and beautiful soprano, who.
when Hammerstein's Manhattan grand
opera company was fourishing in New
York. was one of the most popular
and gifted singers. She is at present,