Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-10

since the radio and the theateTs
have taken it upon themselves
to give this grand old art such a helping hand
and prominent groups have shown that they
are not afraid to come out and sing in the
great open spaces, the various music elements
should compete with each other all the more
seriously next season. And the standards set
and presented by these should be all the
higher.
While many proud fathers and mothers sat
IN the Fox T11eater last week and heard their
hopefuls pour forth their ALL there was another
particular family in town breathlessy scam
ming the papers, waiting for the telephone and
SCrambling for the mail. This famiy-the
WallackS-an Of a sudden had been told that
the lady Of the house had reaped great fame
In fact, 1t may be said that not since GER
tain prominent local songtress was signed by
the Chicago Opera has there been SO much
excitement
co the case of Edith wallack most impressive
of recent Washington musical Cinderellas,
continues to draw the admiration Of the local
world-as well rs staid New Workers, before
whom she has now come and conquered.
Says her husband, Nathan A. wallack I've
been married to her for nine years-and never
knew she could sing until two years ago."
Two years ago Mrs. wallack, housewife,
mother Of two children, an artist at heart, but
living the quiet life of the wife Of a prominent
local radio merchant, bethought herself of tax
ing few singing lessons ron the side in order
TO sing IN one Of the local church choirs. Her
husband encouraged her. Others discouraged
her Said friend, your voice is too loud.
You wouldn't make a singer. Your voice is
too powerful
But Mrs Wallack persevered She took les
sons from A. Iannuzzi. He taught her Italian.
He said: You must learn the Italian method.
hat n Raf6s
Learn Aida first. 1t is the most difhcult
opera. After you have mastered it the others
viii come to you easily"
Mrs. wallack studied hard. She learned Ital-
Ian, and she sang in italian. One night she
came home to her husband with her teacher.
She sang the whole of Aida" to him. Her
teacher solicitous. "Are you very tired?"
he asked. NO." she said. Lets do the whole
thing over again"
Asst night Edith waliack sang the leading
role in the opera Aida" before an audience
Of several thousand at the Mecca Auditorium,
IN New York In the cast were Matzehauer,
Santiago Font, n large chalif ballet and
A. Tannuzd, her former teacher.
Without q word she had gone to New York,
learned Of the contest which was to decide
the fate Of new American soprano, had won
OvCE 90 COubcStdnhS. 0Nc WlfeQ OcT nuSD8U0
He scratched his head He didn't know what
It was all about. Then 1t dawned on him. IT
always knew she could sing" he said but
not that well" Last year she made only one
appearance In recital here in Washington It
was at Pierce Han in q pupils recital Of Mr..
Iannuzzis.
TWELVE months ago Mrs. WaIlack won one
of the prizes offered by the National Fed
GRAFTON Of Music Clubs in its annual contest
here. That prize and her share Of the pro-
gram on the Iannuzd recital program are
all she has to show between the debutante
stage and the prima donna stage She preferred
TO be by herself. She was asked to sing here,
there and everywhere. She refused She was
too busy with her children, her husband and
her italian lessons Then she ran off quietly
to New York and plucked fame for herself In
Ostentatious fashion.
New York has feted her. Newspapers have
written editorials about her. Cameras have
made her blink. The spotlight has snged her
hair. But she hasn't hinched She has courage
rs wen as golden voice.
A INVOLVEMENT has been made from the
Offices of Mrs wilson-Greene as to what
this energetic impressorial concern will present
next season In the way Of important musical
attractions. Although it is perhaps little early
In the game to reveal the exact time and the
exact place It Is no secret to say that Constitu-
ton Hail win be the scene of most of the events
and that the events, in the words Of musical
comedy, seem bigger and better than ever"
Two afternoon series of five concerts each
and one Saturday evening series Of six con-
certs are at present signed for on the books.
And while It is rather disappointing to see that
the Boston Orchestra is scheduled for but one
appearance there is much to make up for this