"STARS" IN REVOLT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 31, 2 March 1909, Page 4

"STARS" IN REVOLT.

GRAND OPEKA AND COMIC QUARREL. Tim stars of tlie Metropolitan Opera House, New York, are in revolt because the management insist that they attend rehearsals regularly and accept orders concerning the interpretation of their roles like ordinary singers. Tlie trouble started by Signor Toscanini. the musical director, rebuking Miss Geraldinc Farrar for not attending rehearsals. iMiss Farrar replied, "I am a star; how dare you criticise me?''

Signor Toscanini replied, "All the stars arc. in heaven. You are only an artist, and you must obey 1 me." 'He then courted fres'li trouble by illforming Mine. Emma Eamcs that her interpretation of Tosea was out of date, and inffSt be reconstructed. Mme. Eamcs refused. Signor Toscanini appealed to Signor Goticasazza. He and ilerr Andreas Dippdl are joint managers of the Metropolitan Opera House. Signor Goticasazza agreed with Signor Toscanini, and llerr Dipped agreed with the singers. Thereupon the directors of tlie opw.yvii'dicate were brought into the quarrel. Signor Goticasazza threatened not to renew Herr Dippel's contract as joint manager. Miss- Farrar drew up a pro- , test, which was signed by Mme. Eames, Signor Caruso, and Signor Scotti, demanding Herr Dippel's retention. The directors paid no attention to this protest, but informed the ''stars" that they must obey Signor Goticasazza. All the singers declare they have never been insulted in such a way liefore. iSiguor Caruso is acting as peacemaker and trying to pacify the angry prima donnas.