20 JULY 1861, Page 18

The report to which we alluded a few weeks ago,

that an" Eng- lish Opera" was about to be established in London, in the form of a hint-Stock Company, has turned out to be correct. A prospectus has just been issued of an "English Opera Association' which (as is stated) "will be devoted. to producing and maintaining English Opera in a complete manner." The capital is to be 50,0001., in 21. shares, on the footing of limited- liability. A provisional committee has been formed, consisting of composers, performers, and amateurs. Among them we find :the eminent names of Balfe, Barnett, Wallace, Linley, Henry Smart, Blagrove, Wilbye Cooper, and Weiss. The affairs of the Association are to be managed: by an Executive Council, who will have the power of appointing the musical director, stage manager, 8re., and also of deciding on the works to be produced, and assigning to the performers their parts in these works. The pro- spectus concludes thus : "The outline of operations proposed to be undertaken by the Association, sketched in the foregoing observa- tions, will, it is believed, be favourably received. The advancement of musical art in the United Kingdom is a subject in which mani persons take a deep interest ; and.the foundation of a National Opera, supported by a powerful Association, is destined to exalt the status of the musician, give new scope for the exercise of his genius, provide permanent employment to the artist, and furnish the metropolis and the provincial districts, with first-class performances of English operas ; thus conferring on the country an important benefit, avail- able to, and appreciable by, all classes." The importance of this scheme is evident; and every one will admit that its accomplishment, if practicable, would be attended with great benefits to the art of music in this country. But we doubt whether its promoters consider sufficiently the difficulties and obstacles they will have to encounter, not merely in the formation, but in the constant working, of the society. The names of the provisional committee show us the classes of persons in whose hands the management will principally be—com- posers, actors, and singers ; persons who must have personal views and interests, not only conflicting with those of each other, but often (and necessarily)' at variance with the disinterested and impartial line of conduct due to the interests of the art and of the public. We by no means affirm that such obstacles to success are insuperable; but they ought to stand fullyin the view of the promoters of the under- taking, so that, in laying down the plan and regulations of the Society, every possible precaution may be taken against the effects of such collisions. Another thing: Is it intended to limit the per- formances of this-national theatre to English operas solely, exclusive of the production, in English, of the best productions of the foreign musical stage ? If so—and, from the language of the prospectus, we fear it is—then a scheme so illiberal and narrow-minded carries the seeds of failure in its very core. We hope the parties concerned will consider this point before they commit themselves positively on the subject.