New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-25
CENTURY OPERA
FAILS IN CHICAGO
Music for the Masses
Rejected in West as
in New York.
KAHN'S RETIREMENT
CAUSED SUSPENSION
Charles II. Strong. Promoter,
Believes in Project and
Plans New Season.

l'cago, Dee. 24.-The Century OPP
era Company. which has been giving
grand opera in this city since the close
Of its New York season, Will suspend
operations on January ..
Announcement Of the closing follows
closely on the resignation of Otto II.
Kahn from the company's board of di-
rectors. Mr.. Kahn, no his .etter of res
ignauon, said that he had contributed
$4,000 TO the company, and that FOR
d variety of reasons he felt impelled
20 withdraw his financial support.
The failure of the company 20 make
its season here a financial success was
attributed 10 general business condl-
tons.
"The capital share and guarantee
fund have been exhausted" said Mil
ton and Sargent Aborn, managers Of
the company, "and existing conditions
make it hardly justiliable TO ask for
more
ENGAGEMENTS in three Eastern cities,
which were 10 follow the eight weeks
season here, have been cancelled. The
members Of the company number near
ly two hundred.
Immediate steps are 70 be taken to
place the Century Opera Company on
its feet again, with a view 10 start
ing its regular fall season. at the Cen
fury Theatre next year. This an
nouncement was made in this city
yesterday by Charles II. Strong, presl-
dent Of the company.
The opening, ~ is understood, rs
contingent upon the raising or guar
antee fund of $4,000.
81 intend 20 start Immediately on a
plan TO get subscriptions" said Mr..
Strong, "and ! hope TO raise $4,000.
This amount Otto II. Kahn has offered
to double. I believe that the people
want CHEAP opera, and ! feel that they
will not let ~ die"
Mr.. Strong said he did not know what
would be done with the artists after
January ., as 10 was not yet decided
whether Milton and Sargent Aborn
would continue as managers.
The career of the company has been
bcsct with difficulties this season from
the time Of the opening at the Century
Theatre i'm September. Early in Octo-
Der. following several weeks Of poor
patronage, an appeal was issued to the
public for a guarantee fund of $4,000
10 insure a return Of the company for
a spring season. The plan called for
the levying Of an assessment on the
guarantors after one-third of the share
capital had been lost.
The season at the Century Theatre
closed November 2l, and tour was
beoun that was 10 include Chicago,
Boston and Philadelphia. Following
these appearances the company was TO
return to this city.
Patronage at Chicago did rot come
up 10 expectations. and the wiping out
of the guarantee fund was followed on
December 20 by the resignation Of Mr..
Kahn. Although withdrawing his sup
port. Mr. Kahn agreed TO duplicate any
subscriptions secured toward a fund Of
$4,000 a year for three years.
Following the resignation OF Mr..
Kahn the admission was made by Mr..
Strong that the banker had been sup
porting the adventure practically UNI
assisted The Kahn withdrawal, said
Mr.. Strong, put this matter up to the
public. subscriptions from 81 up are
10 be asked to enable the company TO
reopen I'M the fall.
1--WE want TO make this an enterprise
OF the people, not Of few men, Mr.
Strong said. at was started with the
idea OF bringing good music to the
peoDlc. and 10 should be a peoples en-
tcrprise. 10 was never meant to be
commercial. Il should be as successful
here ass 10 is IN Germany"