BROADCASTING OF OPERA

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1930, Page 7

BROADCASTING OF OPERA

DELIGHT AT BRITISH PLAN

SUBSIDY FROM GOVERNMENT ‘STRIDE TOWARDS THE SUN’ CHALIAPIN EXPRESSES JOY By Telegraph—Press Assn.— Copyright. Rec. 5.'5 p.m. London, Nov. - ■ Mrs. Philip Snowden, who is a keen ! music-lover and a governor of the British Broadcasting Corporation, has expressed delight at the scheme to broadcast opera. In addition to having Cov ent Garden opera presented throughout the country the scheme would give talented British artists a chance. England was at last coming into line with the Continental countries.

In answer to a question in the House of Commons, Mr. Snowden, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said the Government, subject, to Parliamentary sanction, hqa decided to grant £5OOO for the remainder of the present year and £17,500 annually for five years beginning on January 1 next towards the expense of the presentation of Grand Opera both at Covent Garden and in the provinces. The money would be given as addition to the income of the Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr. F. F. Riley (Labour): “Do the conditions attached to the grant relate to the prices of seats?” M; - . f Snpwden; “The idea is that there will be performances at Covent Garden and in the provinces at popular prices. Ope of thq objects is the stimulation of British opera production.” Chaliapin qu arriving in Roiidon night immediately telegraphed Ml’Snowden: “The subsidy for opera is a stride towards the sun. I am profoundly moved.” Interviewed, he said the decision made him feel 20 years younger.