New Britain herald., 1929-06-13
STAGE CAREERS IN ITALY

STAGE CAREERS IN ITALY
 The experience that Mia Leonora Lacava has had in Italy is gratifying to her fellow citizens in this city. It is evident that she gained distinction in grand opera in that land of song. This is no small honor considering the competition that faces every as- piring singer overseaA The city is duly gratified that one of its daughters was able to survive this gruelling test.
 Why Americans so to Italy and other foreign countries in order to make start in an operatic career is self-evident. Conditions abroad are different. and they favor the aspiring singer Grand opera in the United States is the most sumptuous on earth; 1t is given with the worlds greatest singerA amid the most magnificent scenic investiture. in immense auditoriums, and in the most lavish and expensive manner generally. But there are not enough grand opera companies extant in this l1nd of the best of everything to provide opportunities for even . small part of those who would shtns amid its glitter and tone. In addition to the three main opera compa nies- in New York. Chicago and Philadel- phia-there are . few other cities enjoying this type of amusement on a part-time basis, with singers in the leading roles from the big three: and there are a few minor troupes travelling about hither and yon. In land of 10000 900 population. this is scanty operAtic fare. Com pared with the myriads of opera companies on the continent the op- portunities for rising singers are slight in comparison. Even if the Metropolitan or the Civic Opera of Chicago would care to do 50. it could not employ tenth of the worthy native song birds. That is why 8 large number of American singers so to Europe to "get . start" with an opera company in virtually every city, subsidized by the communities or the govern ments, the opportunities are vastly increased. Besides. there is no denying that singer who makes an outstanding impression in Europe stands a good chance to hook up with the three or four opera com- panies in America. This has been done.
 Opera in Italy. and in some other parts of the continent. is great national amusement. The cities SUD- port it as they do public parks A singer, told that there is no opening in one city, need only take short n hn haps find better luck. We in this country have not arrived at this point because there is . prevalent belief that opera is only for a few metropolitan centers, which can give it with kingly lavishness; and when smaller cities attempt to ape the big three the enterprise goes ,, down under an avalanche Or cost.
 When Italians on their native soil attend the opera they are not primarily interested in how much the prima donna is receiving for her appearance; nor are they primarily interested in the lavish- ness of the scenery, a world beating orchestra. or in the jewels displayed
 in the boxes. The Italian opera certainly in the smaller cities-is deficient in these things. But the
 Italians go primarily to hear the music. and they like it because they
 understand it. are familiar with the
 standard repertory, and take all the rest for granted
 Opera in the nited States will not attaln the same dimensions pey capita until the same spirit is shown by music lovers; until artist -idolatr ry is thrown into the discard: until the
 knowledge becomes widespread that