MELBA ASSISTS TO RESUSCITATE OPERA

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6805, 8 January 1929, Page 7

MELBA ASSISTS TO RESUSCITATE OPERA

Empire-Wide Appeal PERMANENT HOME OF BRITISH MUSIC COVENT GARDEN DOOMED. United Press Association—By Ltectria Telegraph—Copyrigh t. Received Monday 7.0 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 6. Dame Nellie Melba, interviewed at her West End mansion, which was previously the Duchess of Athol!'s famous residence, states “I have been approached by Sir Thomas Beccham and many celebrities interested in music to assist Beccham’s Opera League. The first news I learned on arriving from Australia was that Covcnt Garden would be torn down in two years. This made me sad. I realised that something must be dono and when Sir Thos. Beccham approached me, I was determined to co-operate with him to save the opera for Britain. I am therefore issuing an appeal throughout the Empire to help save the opera. I propose to work heart and soul and appeal with both hands. “Let us commence a new era in music! If my artistic home, Covont Garden, is to be destroyed, let us build a vast Empire opera house. asking for government, subsidisation, in order to bring Britain in line with other nations. In joining forces with Sir Thomas Boecham I hope to realise my life's dream of a permanent opera, which will outclass anything in the world. I especially appeal to the Dominions, where warm-hearted Britishers. will surely be most willing to help 'in this first line of attack, as did thensons in war time. "I do hope the Empire will help me in this wonderful work. There may be thousands who have heard and loved my performances who now will rally round this grand banner. ' I am devoting mv life to this scheme. Please don’t let us lag behind others.’’ Dame Melba’s scheme for a Paris conservatorium has been abandoned, because she is now fully occupied m co-operating with Sir Thomas Boecham.