The Washington herald., 1920-12-14
Poli's-~Aida.S

To the painstakiug and artistic
general direction of Edouard Albion
is given the credit for probably the
most satisfactory production of
grand opera by local talent ever
heard in this city. The perform
ance of Verdis four-act opera,
Aida" by the Washington Opera
Company, at Polls Theater last
night will hold an important place
in the musical history of Washing
ton.
At the end of the second act a
tumult of applause broke forth
which was hardly satisfied by un-
| counted curtain appearances of the
members OF the cast. At this point
Mr.. Albion appeared before the cur
tain and announced that the per-
formance marked the beginning OF
civic opera in Washington. He in
| troduced John C. Freund, the vet
eran editor of Musical America,
| who stated that a community to be
musical must make its own music.
| This well-known journalist praised
/ the opportunities for musical edu-
cation in this country. and stated
! that the troubles OF the man who
runs a musical paper are equaled
| only by the man who runs a circus.
Arnold Volpe was the conductor.
and handled his forces of vocalists
| and instrumentalfsts in a mastery
manner.
Mary Cavan was heard in the
i title role. This celebrated young
American soprano. formerly of the
| Chicago Opera Company, appeared
| with this local opera company last
| spring, and her work at that time is
well remembered. Her rendition Of
/ "Ritorna vincitor," with its noble
! line of melody and its passionate
outburst Of feeling. was given full
dramatic value. Equally well rem
dered was the prayer Il sacri nomi."
The aria 20 patria mia" was one
of the most successfully sung num-
bers OF the opera.
! 1t would have been difficult to
have found a more captivating
singer for the role of Amneris than
was Ruth Townsend, whose exqui-
site vocalization has established
her as an artist of prominence. Her
work throughout the evenings per-
formance was presented with supe-
rior skill.
Otakar Marak. who has been
heard previously in washington. has
a voice of substantial qualities. His
Characterization OF the tenor role
of Rhadames was warmly applauded
The well known "Celesta Aida" one
of the most beautiful of Verdi's
arias was given with artistic appeal
An artist of excellent reputation,
Marcus Kellerman was heard as the
role OF Amansro, King of Ethiopia
and father of Aida. He portrayed
with consumate skill the superb
barbaric defiance of his conquerors
and made his part stand out as one
of the high lights of a most excel
lent performance.
Charles Trowbridge Tittman's ma
jestic voice is too well known in this
city to require description here. HI.
thoroughly artistic work is familiar
enough and his singing of the role
of Ramphis. the high priest eclipsed
any previous performance of this
most virile Of singers.
Washington may well feel proud
of the professional manner in which
the role Of the King of Egypt was
interpreted by George Harold Mil
iler, one of the best known Of local
bassos. Owing to a severe cold Her
bert T. Aldridge was not able tc
present his customary finished sing
ing to the part of the Messenger.
Ruby Potter was the High Priest
ess. Solo dancers were Marjorie
Webster. Katherine Nicholas and
Jenny Grady. Enrica Clay Dillor
was stage director and dramatic
coach: Hardie Meakin. stage man
ager; Marjorie Webster, ballet di
rectress, and Marguerite Allen Ross
accompanist.
The opera will be repeated OF
!, Wednesday and Friday evenings.