BROADCAST OF OPERA

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 50, 22 November 1930, Page 11

BROADCAST OF OPERA

Government Subsidy

MR. SNOWDEN EXPLAINS

(Rec. November 21, 10.50 p.m.)

London, November 20.

In the House of Commons, Mr. Philip Snowden, Chancellor of the Exchequer, in answer to a question, said the Government, subject. to Parliamentary sanction,'had decided to grant £5OOO for the remainder of the present year and £17,500 annually for the five years beginning January 1 next toward the expense of the presentation of grand opera both at Covent Garden and in the provinces. The money would be given as an addition to the income of the Broadcasting Corporation. Mr. Riley (Lab.): Do the conditions attached to tlie grant relate to tbe prices of seats? Mr. Snowden: The idea is that there will be performances at Covent Garden and in the provinces at popular prices. One of the objects is the stimulation of British opera production.

Chance for English Artists

(Rec. November 21, 5.5 i>.m.)

London, November 20.

Mrs. .Snowden, who is a keen musiclover and governor of the British Broadcasting Corporation, expressed delight at the scheme to broadcast opera, stating that in addition to Covent Garden opera being presented throughout the country, it would give talented British artists a chance. England was at last coming into line with Continental countries. Mr. Chaliapin, on arriving in London to-night, immediately telegraphed Mrs. Snowden: “Subsidy of opera Is a stride toward the sun. I am profoundly moved.” In an interview, Mr. Chaliapin said the decision made him feel twenty years younger.