AUSTRALIAN OPERA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18601, 8 January 1924, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN OPERA.

CHORISTERS FROM ITALY.

CASE FOR MANAGEMENT. A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE, Jan. 7. Federal officials explain that there is no possibility of the department preventing Italians engaged for the chorus of the grand opera company now being organised by Dame Melba from entering the Commonwealth as immigrants. The Act does not apply to such a case.

The management of the opera company denies that Italians are to be engaged because of their cheapness, as they will all be paid Australian award rates. In reality, they are-costing £6 a week a head more than Australian artists. A. and N.Z. SYDNEY. Jan. 7. In reply to the statements made by the deputation representing the Australian theatrical profession,, which asked the Minister for Customs to prevent the admission of Italians engaged for the grand opera, Sir George Tallis says that the statement that the Italians have been engaged at lower rates is untrue. The engagement provides that they he paid not less than the Australian union rates. The contention that they have been engaged for reasons of cheapness is falsified by the fact that their fares alone are costing £2000.

Replying to arguments in favour of engaging Australian artists, Sir George declares that everyone concerned in the venture is convinced that to adhere to the ambitious programme of presenting 20 operas during a season limited to eight weeks, it is absolutely imperative to have a certain number of professional male choristers from Italy, thoroughly up in the music and business, and conversant with the entire repertoire. With the exception of the principals and a number of the male chorus, the company is practically Australian. ' Altogether 118 Australian* are employed.