Evening star., 1928-12-09

bllS QOIIlEIldIlJ
of the professional programs
~ to be given in washington
this week. It seems too bad that
two prominent musical PERSONAL
ties should be rivals for the con-
cert goers tomorrow afternoon
Emma Roberts, the American con-
tralto, who has been called the
"Kentucky Cardinal comes after
long acclaim and with
many friends in Washington. She
lis said to have unusually compre-
lhensive knowledge Of the litera-
,ture of true lieder and also is
noted for command of numerous
Languages. Born in Kentucky
Miss Roberts has the inherited
igraceS and charms for which the
State is noted and combines with
them the vocal gift that is claimed
to be exceedingly rare. She has
sung with all the great symphony
orchestraS of the country and at
principal festivals in the United
States. Miss Roberts appearance
tomorrow is said to mark her
debut here in recital, having only
appeared previously with orcheS-
tra. It was due to the interest
and practical help of Miss Mary
Callender Of New York, that
Emma Roberts received thorough
training in this country and then
was sent abroad to complete her
education.
The other recitalist, whose pro-
gram is given simultaneously
with that of Miss Roberts, Gamma
WalSka, has made many appear
kanceS elsewhere in this country
land in Europe Her name has be-
come widely known. It will be
intereSting to see what her vocal
gift is, after reading so many
.ppinions, both foreign and Ameri-
can, when she appears at local
Eheater tomorrow afternoon.
x X x X
MARIA OLSZEWSKA, contralto,
~ who has become especially
noted as a singer of great Wag-
merriam roleS-Fricka, Erda, Bran
gaena, Waltraute, etc.-makes her
washington debut in joint recital
with the popular American tenor,
Edward Johnson, who is one of
Washington's favorite guest
artists"
Mime. OlSzewSka is on her ini-
fial visit to America this season
and made her debut with the
Chicago Grand Opera Co., in the
opening performance of the cur
Eent season when she was fea-
.tured in the title role of Bizet's
"Carmen." The program at Mrs.
TownSend'S musical event We'd
meSday gives both singers in
several selections from that opera.
The writer Of this column first
heard Nine. OlszewSka in Munich,
Germany, two Summers ago when
she appeared in the great con-
atralto role of Brangaene in "Tris-
TAN und Isolde" with Karl Muck
conducting. Later, she sang in
cycle Of the ring and was heard
as Waltraute. She is beautiful
and her acting is as marvellous as
nler warm contralto voice. She
cTeated sensation in her Wag-
baerian delineationS abroad. She
should be particularly interesting
"wednesday in her group of lieder.
The United States probably first
heard of her to a marked degree
due to the historic controversy she
had with Nine. Jeritza after a
performance. Although she has
= Polish name, Nine. OlSzewSka
dS not of that nationality, but was
born on large estate on the Dan
suhe of wealthy, muSic-loving
parents. Her gifts were noted at
an early age and intelligently en-
Ecouraged. Her husband is the
noted baritone, Emil Schipper,
who is with her in this first Amer
bcan tour and, on some occasions,
Rppearing on joint programs.
* X
1T is interesting to find that Ed
ward Johnson, American (but
not United States tenor, being
born in Canada who we'll earned
1aiS initial recognition in the then
necessary incognito Of Eduardo
Giovanni, in Italy, has made a.
gesture recently to try and make
EIe path easier for muSically gift
led children of his home town,
Guelph, Ontario. He has offered
$25,0 to the board Of education
for developing musical talent
among the school children there.
Mr.. Johnson, himself, was the
reviewer of a unique gift when,
Through the generosity of Mrs.
sEnrico CaruSo, the Canadian. tenor
literally inherited "the mantle of
SCaruSo." Mrs. CaruSo gave him
Iall the costumes which remained
hin the wardrobe of the late Italian
genius.
1t might be of interest to Wash
Angton music lovers and others
who are keen to see musical prog
resS and general cultural develop
:ment in the world to read Mr..
,JohnSon'S letter, containing his
offer to Guelph, which was ac-
cepted with the deepest gratitude.
lie said:
secretary Board of Education,
Dear Sir. This letter will verify what
has already been conveyed to you by PROXY
.study Of music among the children of our
kcity. If your honorable board will author
sthe PUBLIC schools, putting within reach OF
tsvery child regardless Of G1S IS or creed OF
kcolor, the opportunity to iANpA music ac-
Scording to recognized modern standards
1hercby obligate myself to provide the sum OF
live thousand dollars a year. over a period
Aof Ave years, which sum will be placed on
Fdeposit with the Dominion Bank, and al
fTour disposal Immediately upon notification
of YOUR acceptance.
If cur plan succeeds (and feel conn.
dent that H. wild, We shall find a way t6
finance it through future years Or, to be
Pmore hopeful, so great may be our success
THAT the government may see fit TO introduce
-FOUR methods in all schools throughout. tht
eDomnion, and who knows, in generation
or two. we may become a nation of youne
singers. who will be ambassadors of peace
carrying on wings of song Canadas message
OF love and good will to all the world.
That no time may be lost, beg you. sir
TO entreat your board to deliberate and &C
Hat once. so that all may be in readiness fol-
1he opening of school in September;