The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-09-25

Each year seems to place Birmingham
more conspicuously on the map in the
musical world, not only on account of
the interest that is displayed in musical
affairs, the work of different clubs and
the general tone of things, but more de-
cidedly by the fact that each year new
recruits are added to the permanent pops
lation of the musical world--singers. plan
lists, violinists and organists--locating
here, drawn hither by the bright pros
poets that this growing city presents in
this line
During a seasons study abroad, few
years ago. Miss Mary Lee Drennen and
Miss Fannie Drennen of this city. two of
Birmingham's clever and talented young
women, formed a most delightful ac-
quaintance with Miss Emma Read Mitch
ell of Worcester, Mass, the three young
women occupying the same pension and
pursuing their various studies together.
Later Miss Mitchell was very charm
ingly entertained by the Misses Drennen
at their home here. and as an intrcduc-
tion to the musical world Miss Mitchell
was the guest Of the Music Study club
and by her beautiful singing, her charni-
! ing personality and undlsputed talent,
found her way into the hearts of scores
| of auditors, who once daving heard hcr
| lovely voice. annexed their name to her
list of friends and We'd vita each other
In trying to induce her 10 make Birmng-
hm her home
| Mrs. Laura Jackson Davids, the bril-
+. liant organist at the Southside Baptist
church, asked for Miss AIitchelrs con
sideration of the position of soprano in
the choir of that church. but at That time
Miss Mitchell did not see her way clear
to pull up stakes" so 10 speak. and
leave her home and her concert engages
ments and large classes. but 1t started
"the ball a-rolling.'' and the result is
that she has now come here to reside,
and will open a studio in connection with
the downtown studio of Mr.. and Mrs. VIII
| liam Gussen in the Gable building for
voice culture and classes in Italian. y
Under such pleasing auspices and with
the sponsorship of Mr.. and Mrs. Gussen
who are among Birmingham's prominent
and most capable musicians. and whom
Miss Mitchell met the past summer al
MonteagIe, the future of this talented
young woman seems assured here.
"Comng from Worcester, where the
jmost brilliant music festivals of the coun-
i try are held annually" I suggested as
Miss Mitchell was telling. me about her
season, .syou might give us some point.
ers about how the festival has been man.
aged and arranged so as to be success
| full"
II have been patron as well as a
participant" said Miss Mitchell, "of the
Worcester festivals ever Since l was old
enough to remember, and as president OF
the Friday Morning Music club, which
corresponds to your Music Study club
here. and as chairman of the music COM
mttee. have been very closely affiliated
with the festivals in Worcester, One
reason of course. that has marked them
with such success has been the fact that
we have always had the Boston Sym.
phony orchestra, or part OF 1t, at our
| festivals, which are held during the last
week in September. At first there was q
dearth of music and interest in the fes-
tivals fancy, but that was long time
ago-40-odd years--but since have known
anything of them l have seen the inter-
est grow and widen and musical affairs
become more dominant until now we are
| fairly overrun with musical attractions
artists Of every kind and description
f1ockfng there by the score"
"When you began your musical studies
was it your idea to be an opera singer?"
asked.
"Of course I've trained for OPERA said