SUBSIDY FOR OPERA
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sur,—Why is it that musicians in general sit down in hopeless despair, and declare that a State or municipal • subsidy for opera is absolutely out of the question ? In his article in your issue for May 19th Mr. Basil Maine records that a delegate at a conference of musicians held in Bournemouth expressed this very opinion. And apparently neither. Mr. Basil Maine nor the conference dispute it.
Municipal grants have already been made to symphony concerts in at any rate two places in the British Isles— Manchester and Bournemouth. It is only a step further to subsidize opera ; in fact, it seems- to me to be the only logical conclusion, that what to-day is granted to art galleries, - museums, and free libraries should be extended to the far- more universal art of music.' What- would a few hundred thousands mean to the Exchequer ? - And it does not seem to me to be necessary that a majority of •the general public must desire opera before there" can be any State assistance. Has the public "ever shown such interest in its art galleries and monstrous museums ?
If Sir Thomas Beecham's scheme fails, as apparently it is likely to do (at any rate in the provinces), I suggest that a really vigorous campaign should be made to stir up the Government and municipalities to give to music its rightful due. Has such an attempt ever been made ?—I am, Sir, &c.-, WILLIAM L. NORMAN. Musical Society, Manchester University‘
Previous page
