Evening star., 1947-05-18
Opera Problem
In Il. S. Stressed
|By yViennaOffer
By Alice Eversmon

"
By Alice Eversmon
The response that has been MAIDS
to the offer Of the Vienna Opera tp
engage young American singers and
train them hits again squarely ~
the great defect In our musical orr
gapization. We are right back
where we were before the war. Tho,
only place for those interested III
an operate career to gain experi-
erace IS in Europe in spite Of the
great advance made in appreciation
and sponsoring of music in every
form in this country.
There Is simply no place In theS
Omitted States where young opera
singers can learn then trade except
in very few companies which cen
take only limited number Of ne &
phytes into their personnel.
The offer from Vienna came
through Erich Leinsdorf, who,
among his conductorial engage
ments abroad, directed performances
at the Vienna Opera. Mr.. Leins-
dorf was distressed at the, quality
OF the artists and the impossibility
Of finding new ones to replace them.
He spoke enthusiastically to the di-
rector OF the opera, Dr.. Juch, OF
the talent of American singers and
their lack of opportunities in this
country. Dr.. Juch suggested that
a number of those singers In thu
United States interested in a career
be engaged for period OF three
years at a minimum salary and be
given every occasion to gain the
needed experience in actual per-
formance. Mr.. Leinsdorf passed on
the suggestion through the New
York Times and the response has
been astonishing in number.
Few Get an Opportunity.
Z The fact that opera is an inis
portant, outlet for gifted American
singers has been recognized to this
extent that in most contests carry
ing a monetary or concert award,
operatic arias are included In the
selections required. The Metro
politan Opera has held additions
and engaged some OF the winners.
Places for a few of the irlexperi-
enced have been made during short
seasons of opera in various cities.
Yet all this but scratches the SUR
face Of what ought to sbe done.
There are untold singers studying
and hoping that some day their
opportunity will come.
No matter how talented. singer
cannot become a full fledged opera
artist Immediately. There Is too
much involved, too many other
points besides the actual singing
that must be mastered. Yet, as in
other branches of music, students.
are encouraged to perfect them
selves and gesture toward .
career is made. After that the
young aspirant must shift for him
self. How can we develop fins
operate artists If they are not
provided with a place for practice.
The existing opera companies can
not supply the need yet the SPONSOR
ing Of an opera house or an operatic
company is the last concern OF
'charitably minded citizens or COM
n1unities.
Language Is Great Barrier.
1t must be admitted that the
foreign languages in which opera
is given In this country remains
the great barrier to complete ap-
Ipreciation. Why 1t is believed nec-
essary to give opera In the original
tongue In this country is q mystery.
Surely the English language that
claims some of the greatest poets
and prose writer's In the world
could be used as a translation. 1t
is a rare occurrence, and not .
popular one, If opera is produced
in other countries in foreign Lam
|guage. Once the American public
could follow the plot and the text
of grand opera with the same
participation as in light opera, IT
would clamor for more.
From the letters addressed to Mr..
Leinsdorf 1t is apparent the great
desire Of singers to endure anything
in order to gain experience. They
are willing to skimp along on
a meager salary. live uncomfortably,
work hard far from home and suffer
loneliness. They will be trained in
a foreign art from foreign outlook.
When they return to the United
States, where will they go? Where
will they have opportunity to show
what they can do and what they
have learned? If the public does
mot concern itself with providing an
outlet for their artistry, they will
have to remain in Europe and sing
where they can.
This is just another of the prob
lens the war has disclosed. It is
also a reflection on the extent Of
our vision in musical planning.
Something is wrong with 1t II 1t does
| not look to the very END.