The Washington times., 1925-02-23

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John Charles Thomas will make
his grand opera debut here, with
the Washington Opera Company
as Amonasro III Verdi's Aida" on
the eve before Inauguration,
March 3.
Edouard Albion is this time CIV
ing-at the period in Washington
OF 1.-THE great American day" of
the Presidents inauguration--an
all.Anerican cast of great grand
opera. .
Opera Ho6ors Abroad.
Ahead OF John Charles Thomas
are opera honors abroad. From
Brussels comes the news There's
good news for the Americans in
case they care to do some boasting.
John Charles Thomas, Americas
favorite baritone, has won himself
coveted place in the ranks of
the Brussels Opera Company and
he will make his first appearance
in the organiza ton next August
in "Herodiade.
"He is guaranteed by his contract
at least four roles a week. He will
have twelve operas in his repertory,
among them a new one as yet UNI
named. The others are, In addi-
ton to 'Herodiade.' 'Pagliacci,'
That's Aida Lohengrin, Rig
oletto, 'Tosca,' Carmen 'Rusti-
Seville. -
The Brussels company is regarded
as the finest school for the train
ing Of future. operate stars on the
Continent. "A place in It's personnel
is extremely difficult to attain.
To begin with, Mr.. Thomas ehad
to give an addition for the maestro.
When the latter passed favorably
upon his voice four other directors
had to be satisfied and 1t was not
until the last one had placed his
stamp of approval on the American
singer that he was admitted to the
roster.
Now we find that the list OF op-
eras chosen for him are largely
lyrical, having been compiled with
view to making the most possible
of Thomas robust but thoroughly
melodious voice.
Washington Opera Open-DoOr.
We are so near the Washington
Opera Company. 1t is so new
thing. under the patient develop
ment OF Edouard Albion, general
director. that this First appearance"
of this much coveted baritone in
the National Capital and here
with 'us at home" may miss its
| real emphasis.
/ 1t Is Important that the National
| Capital OF these 8UnateA States has
an organization where not alone the
great foreign stars-sIch as Chal-
iapin In his Mephisto l.. Faust" of
the past month-but where Ameri-
can stars may appear before us
and be granted their place in art
with American approval.
! Other Americans OF note are an
nounced.
Get Peralta" has come to be
a byword at the Metropolitan
Opera in New York. when at the
last minute some announced plan
has gone awry and there is no
| time for rehearsal.
Never once has she failed when
called upon. Each time she has
scored a success before the critical
Metropolitan audiences and critics.
Frances Psralta is the aida" OF
this coming performance. The
beautiful Jeanne Gordon Is the
Amneris.
Charles Trowbridge Titt1nann, Of
Washington. is one of Americas
foremost bassos and a constant so
loist at the Bach Festivals and
| in oratorio. He will repeat HIS
success in the role of Ranfis.
which he so finely sung with his
| company two years ago.
Albert Shefferman. another basso
of our city. is soloist in this cast.
He was in the Washington Operas
cast Of Faust" in January.
| Thus finished artists are pre-
scented. America is proud to Of
fer this notable opportunity in art
to the new member of the Brussels
Opera. who may be honored ut
home. because the Washington
Opera Company is so bravely fight.
q SIS u u N SIS
~ MA m