Opera in England Lovers of opera have so often been
disappointed by the failure of schemes for popularizing this form of art in England that they may well view with some reserve the Daily Telegraph's confident announcement that the leading operatic interests are going to work together. The Grand Opera Syndicate with its State subsidy, the Royal Carl Rosa Company, and the energetic company that gives opera at the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells arc said to be co-operating, with a new London Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Thomas Beecham. The scheme is admirable on paper, and should benefit all the com- panies and their growing public. But past experience of the optimism of Sir Thomas himself and other enthusiasts in operatic affairs imposes caution. Like Mr. Asquith, we must wait and see. One reason why opera has never flourished in England, as it does in Italy, Austria and Germany and to a lesser extent in France, is that performances are too infrequent, even in London, and the prices charged are usually too high, so that the masses of theatregoers are never reached. A national opera combine might be able in tune to create a national demand such as has never yet existed.
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