VOL. IV, No.2 PUBLISHED BY AMER!CAN GUILD OF MUS!CAL ARTISTS, Inc., A. F. of L AUGUST, 1951

OFFI CERS OFFICES

LA WRENCE TIBBETT 18 President 276 West 43rd Street ASTRID VARNAY Telephone: LOngacre 5·7508, 9, 10 1st Vice·President • JASCHA HEIFETZ 2nd Vice-President EDWARD A. ROSENBERG MACK HARRELL 6636 Hollywood Blvd. 3rd Vice-President Hollywood 28, Calif. Telephone: HUdson 2·2334 JAMES PEASE 4th Vice-President • San Franscisco DONALD DAME Treasurer THEODORE HALE 216 Pine Street LEOPOLD SACHSE Telephone : Sutter 0855 5th Vice-President • ELISABETH HOEPPEL Recording Secretary EDWARD DAVIS HYMAN R. FAINE 215 S. Broad Street Executive Secretary Telephone: KIngsley 5-4310 HOWARD M. LARAMY • Assistant to Executive Secretary Chicago RITA NASSER IRVING MEYERS Financial Secretary 188 W. Randolph Street Telephone: STate 2·0585 • • JAFFE JAFFE & HOWARD M. LARAMY Counsel Editor

AGMA-EQUITY FLEDERMAUS DISPUTE

On July 16, 1951 , National President and Actors Equity and Chorus Equity Associations over the juris­ Hyman R. Faine, National Executive Secretary of AGMA is­ distion of the "Fledermaus" and after the dispute had been sued the following release: "In the interests of the performers taken to the International Board of the 4A's, the parent body who have been engaged by the Metropolitan Associa­ of Equity and AGMA. tion and other companies for their roles in the Fledermaus, In this whole controversy, AGMA at no time denied the ex­ the American Guild of Musical Artists is withdrawing its istence of an agreement dated June 13, 1939 which had been claim, based upon the contracts with such companies, to act drawn up by a joint committee of AGMA, Actors Equity and as the exclusive collective bargaining representative of such Chorus Equity, and had been signed by their representatives. performers. In withdrawing its claim, AGMA by no means This agreement set forth the boundaries of what are as indicates that its position was erroneous but it is our earnest distinguished from musical comedies and operettas, and in­ conviction that the livelihood of the performers employed for corporated was a paragraph which listed examples of what the tours and the harmony which must prevail among all sister should be under Equity and Chorus Equity jurisdiction, unions - allied and united in many ways - must transcend among which example was "Die Fledermaus (The Bat)." the legal claims of one such union. If this dispute will have Fully acquainted with this agreement and this specific para­ demonstrated the need for closer unity and cooperation among graph, AGMA had firstly based its claim for the jurisdiction all the unions in the theatrical and entertainment fields; we be­ of Die Fledermaus, not in defiance of this above agreement, lieve, despite our disappointment in the outcome; that the but upon what has become the traditional practice in handling voluntary relinquishment both of our legal position and our the jurisdiction of this very work during the years since this traditional jurisdiction in the field of opera will have served agreement ha:l been drawn up, which practice had occasioned a good and useful purpose." no disputes between the unions. The pattern was that when This final release followed many weeks of dispute with (Continued on next p.age) a repertoire opera company had produced this work during a work, and also the membership of most of the artists in this season, that it was covered by the union with which the pro­ union, AGMA has felt that it was clearly designated as the ducers had negotiated a Basic Agreement. Thus Fledermaus bargaining agent for its members. There was never any inten­ had been produced by the Cincinnati Summer Opera Associa­ tion of making a "Raid" upon the jurisdictional rights of any tion both this present and last season under AGMA, the sister union, but rather to protect our own field where we have Central City Opera House Association had performed it dur­ always negotiated the Basic Agreements and which is defi­ ing its 1949 summer season, the Chautauqua Institution under nitely AGMA province. AGMA, and the Association had include:l AGMA for Merger it in its past season with whom AGMA has a Basic Agreement. Likewise, the work has been performed during the past by AGMA also recognizes that artists transfer from one union summer stock companies with whom the Equity's have Basic to another in accepting engagements in the highly competitive Agreements. At no time had AGMA received any protest from field of music, in order to earn a living, and oftentimes must Equity on this pattern, nor did AGMA expect any such pro­ belong to more than one, and sometimes all of the entertain­ test. It had been produced in the repertoire and on tour of the ment unions, in following their careers. It is in the light of New Opera Company in 1944, under the title of "Rosalinda" such conditions that AGMA has supported all plans calling under the jurisdiction of AGMA with the tacit agreement of for Merger, and worked conscientiously for the accomplish­ Equity. ment of this plan, as well as for joint jurisdiction with Equity Under the titles of "One Wonderful Night" the Shuberts over these disputed tours. had presented the work in 1929, and later Dwight Deere Wi­ At the time of the dispute over the jurisdiction of "Regina" man presented it under the name of "Champagne Sec" under by Marc Blitztein in 1950, AGMA based its claim of jurisdic­ an Equity agreement. Both of these productions were produced tion upon the fact that this composition belonged in the oper­ prior to the organization of the concert and opera artists into atic field, that this work represented the tendency of modern the American Guild of Musical Artists. composers in serious music, to bring their creations to a larger audience, and possibly to greater financial success. Al­ AGMA Has Basic Agreement with Met though AGMA lost that decision in the 4 A's International In the present controversy over the jurisdiction of "Die Board by a slight margin to Equity, at the same time a reso­ Fledermaus," AGMA secondly based its claim upon the Basic lution was passed by the International Board that the three Agreement which has been in existence since 1938 with the unions should appoint committees to re-evaluate this old agree­ Metropolitan Opera Association, which has covered all the ment of 1939, so as to more accurately designate the jurisdic­ performances of that Association. tional rights of each, and to bring their findings and agree­ Thirdly, AGMA based its claim on the fact that the Artists ment to the 4 A's for approval. AGMA immediately appointed engaged for this work with the Metropolitan tour were all such a committee, but all proposals of AGMA toward the ful­ AGMA members whoile rights and protection was the duty fillment of such a ruling were unacceptable to Equity and of AGMA, their parent union. This same condition largely further meetings were postponed due to talks about merger, pertained for the Artists engaged by the Martin-Kutner Com­ after which such an agreement could be worked out. pany, under the Hurok management which also planned a Now, when again grounds for such a claim as made by Fa:ll tour of this work. AGMA regarding "Die Fledermaus" are made, the same Agreement had been reached on all points assuring the per­ acknowledged antiquated agreement is now held up by Equity formers wages and working conditions equal to or better than as some sort of Magna Carta, from which no deviation will those in effect in Equity contracts. AGMA had negotiated an be allowed. Since this agreement now forms the basis for agreement with Martin and Kuttner, producers, in April 1951, the 4 A's latest ruling as to the jurisdiction of "Die Fleder­ based on our right to represent the artists who would be en­ maus," AGMA, as a member of this parent union, has with­ gaged and as their exclusive bargaining agent for this tour. drawn its claim, but must register a protest against such a Fourthly, in spite of the lighter vein of Die Fle:lermaus, it ruling in the light of ever-changing processes in the field Jf has been included in the repertoire of the leading European composition and inspiration by operatic creators. AGMA Opera Houses, and throughout the world where it is always must be granted rights under an everwidening field that fol­ sung by the regular opera artists who are fully equipped to lows the pattern of our normal jurisdictional horizon. AGMA perform this demanding musical creation. does not deny this right also to the other sister unions, but seeks only to serve its membership where they perform along Agreement With Equity Attempted the lines that draw them under AGMA's protection. We look In all its discussions with Equity and Chorus Equity prior with alarm upon the invasion of what normally should be our to appealing to the International Board of the 4A's, AGMA area of jurisdiction now based upon an agreement which has been honest and straightforward in requesting under­ had been adjudged by the 4 A's 1950 ruling as an agreement standing and in all proposals of how best to handle the juris­ in need of reform and re-evaluation. diction of the Fledermaus, AGMA has wished for a harmon­ AGMA has had the term of "Overweening ambition" used ious solution. In the light of the type of the producers of the (Continued on page 10) 2 A DECADE AND A HALF WITH AGMA

AGMA was founded in April, 1936 mitted or allowed by further action of the choristers against such practices following a conference between Law­ this Board." and two years later the GOCA began rence Tibbett and J ascha Heifetz, as a its struggle for existence. In 1917 the union of solo musical artists and listing "The jurisdiction hereby granted shall GOCA had absorbed choristers into its amongst its charter members, Alma apply to all concert and solo operatic ranks who worked with the Chicago and Gluck, Deems Taylor, Richard Bonelli, singers, instrumental soloists, dancers, San Carlo Opera Companies. This 1917- Frank Chapman, Gladys Swarthout, and other performers in the field of 1918 season accurately dates the for­ , , concert, recital and oratorio and in mation of GOCA. The Met recognized Richard Crooks, , Fred Grand Opera in foreign languages, and the union and all members of the chorus Waring, Efrem Zimbalist, Paul White­ in English to the extent which may. be of the Metropolitan joined the ranks of man, Lauritz Melchior, Lify Pons and permitted or allowed by further actlOn GOCA. of this Board, it being the intention of many other famous and well known In 1919, the GOCA charter was re­ artists. this Board to confer jurisdiction over Grand Opera in English upon the Amer­ ceived from the 4 A's and thereby be­ came a labor unit in that organization AGMA is a non-profit membership ican Guild of Musical Artists, Inc., as corporation composed of musical artists soon as the necessary arrangements are (Continu·ed on page 4) active in the and Canada, made with Actor's Equity Association who are joined together to protect their for the relinquishment of this jurisdic­ common rights and interests. It is a tion; said jurisdiction shall further in­ Wedding Bells union chartered by the Associated Actors clude Stage managers of grand opera and Artistes of America affiliated with performances. " Wedding Bells rang for Isabel Mir­ the American Federation of Labor. The row and Kelly Brown (below), both In November, 1937, AGMA informed members of Ballet Theatre, on Sunday, necessity for AGMA's creation was to the Metropolitan Opera Association that give strength toward securing better col­ July 15th, 1951. The blissful couple it represented the majority of the per­ had to cut their honeymoon short to do lective bargaining conditions as a group formers at the Metropolitan and wished than could be secured individually. one performance at the Lewisohn Sta­ to begin negotiations for a Basic Agree­ dium, August 2nd, and another on Aug­ ment. At same time, negotiations were ust 6th, at Ithaca, N. Y., for the World In successive series of growth, AGMA begun with the Chicago Opera Co., and embraced not only such solo musical Youth Federation. Kelly is the AGMA Philadelphia Civic Grand Opela Co. delegate for Ballet Theatre. artists but all performers in opera, bal­ In the Spring of 1938, by a decision let, oratorio, concert and recital field, Another Ballet Theatre member said of the International Board of the 4 A's "I Do" on August 5th, when Barbara and in August, 1937 merged with an­ the Grand Opera Choral Alliance char­ other organization which previously had Lloyd and Erik Kessler were married ter was revoked and transferred to at the bride's home in Hollywood, Calif. held a charter from the 4 A's, the Grand AGMA. This step resulted in bitter con­ Opera Artists Association. The groom is a member of the Ballet flict between AGMA and GOCA, but two Theatre Orchestra. years later, after endless negotiations Following this, AGMA immediately and many discussions, members of plunged into a campaign to orgamze GOCA became full-fledged members of artists throughout the country in all fields of its jurisdiction. AGMA. The Grand Opera Choral Alliance had The first union agreement was nego­ had a long history prior to its amalga­ tiated by AGMA with the Southern Cal­ mization into AGMA. There was a strike ifornia Symphony Association, which at the Met in the season of 1905-1906. recognized AGMA as the sole bargain­ The strikers demanded better working ing agent for all solo, chorus, and ballet conditions and the recognition of their performers. union. The walkout lasted only three days but at last a union of choristers Minimum salaries were established was established. and the elimination of commissions to booking agents. Then followed several In 1912-1914, the Century Opera Co., other agreements which were signed under the Aborns had a short career, with impressarios in the East. during which they employed a large chorus. There were eleven weeks of re­ The American Guild of Musical Art­ hearsal without pay and then in per­ ists obtained its charter from the Four formance choristers were paid $16 per A's in 1937. The resolution reads: "Re­ week for 8 performances and a Sunday solved, that jurisdiction is hereby grant­ night concert!! Rehearsals were held ed to the American Guild of Musical every day including Sunday for five to Artists, Inc., in the field of concert, re­ six hours per day. The management also cital and oratorio in English and For­ used a dismissal system for any real or eign languages, and Grand Opera in fancied infringement of the manage­ Credit Walter E. Owen for above photo, Foreign languages, and Grand Opera in ment's rules during the season. This also all Convention photos in January English to the extent which may be per- practice resulted in the organization of issue of Agmazine. 3 A DECADE AND A HALF WITH AGMA

(Continued from page 3) elected by their members, devote much AGMA has secured from the Metro­ which embraces the entire theatrical valuable time and effort toward advanc­ politan Opera Association severance pay ing AGMA's progress and the office for choristers not re-engaged since the profession. staff and executives strive to fulfill the 1946 season. This severance pay The . first Basic Agreement with content of the Board's rulings to the amounts to 5% of the last year's earn­ AGMA and the Metropolitan was signed fullest extent possible in all dealings ings for every year of service up to 20 July 27, 1938. Under this agreement, with producers. years and more. AGMA was recognized as the exclusive AGMA's progress since these harrow­ bargaining agent for all the artists en­ ing early days has been consistent. Not AGMA has been an integral part of gaged at the Metropolitan. AGMA that only has AGMA negotiated contracts the development of a new union to rep­ year also signed an agreement with the with all leading producers of opera, bal­ resent performances in the field of Tele­ San Carlo Opera Co., and also the New let and chorus, but has also lent its vision, TvA, in which AGMA members York Hippodrome Opera Co., covering support and consideration to the devel­ who were in good standing with AGMA artists employed by these companies. opment of its members into full artistic as of February 1, 1951 need not pay Another major achievement in protect­ stature by nurturing small opera compa­ initiation fees and from this present ing its members and obtaining for them nies under "Little Opera" conditions date required to pay dues to the new more desirable working conditions oc­ consistent with the economic problems union only in the quarter in which they curred in October, 1938, when meetings and thereby to protect the members as may be engaged for televised perform­ were held between AGMA officials and to salaries and working conditions. ances. representatives of Columb.ia Con~erts AGMA also has differentiated between AGMA is a member of the Fact Find­ Corporation and N.B.C. ArtIs~s ServIces, grand opera companies and popular ing Committee which is comprised of which later became the NatIOnal Con­ price grand opera companies, so as to representatives of all the unions in the cert and Artists Corporation (NCAC). protect the earnings of its members em­ entertainment field, such as A.F.M., Since so much work of tbe AGMA artists ployed in such companies. AGMA has Stage Hands, Scenic Designers, treas­ was then derived in the concert field, reached agreements with leading choral urers, Wardrobe, Press, managers, etc., the problems involved were many, for as organizations which perform on tours, which means a valuable over-all protec­ is well known to concert artists, the ef­ under which artists in that field are en­ tion for all such unions in securing an forts of the concert manager can deter­

9. Mascagni Opera Guild 250 West 91st Street, N.Y.C. Office Overtures Dues Reclassification Josephine La Puma Production News. The AGMA office The AGMA office has mailed out, dur­ 10. New Brooklyn Opera Co. staff has been working on the produc­ ing June, questionnaires to its member­ 119 West 57th Street, N. Y. C. tion line with Kay Yeargans, Mr. Faine's ship which calls upon the members to E. E. Stanford ex-secretary, giving birth to a baby report their gross income in the AGMA girl on June 25th, 1951, and Marie Sie­ field for the past year. From the reports II. New York Civic Opera Company gel, who was in charge of membership, sent back, the membership department 150 West 46th Street, N.Y.C. welcomed girl-twins, that same day, just will determine into what dues category William Reutemann a few short hours later. How's that for the artist should be classed and dues good timing! adjustments will go into effect starting 12. Star Opera Company with August 1st 1951. 317 West 42nd Street, N.Y.C. Beatrice Calev, Mr. Laramy's ex-sec­ Without this report properly filled out Francis C. Torre retary, is now the proud mother of a and sent back to the office, the artists bouncing baby boy, eight months old. contracts must be checked for services 13. Washington Grand Opera Ass'n. And in the Romance Department, Helen performed during the past year. A great 1710 19th Street, N.W. Schoenfeld, Bea's successor, became deal of research would be avoided if the Washington, D. C. Mrs. Marvin Wildman on January 14th, member would volunteer this informa­ William Webster 1951. tion promptly. 5 Election Of Officers and Board of Governors In accordance with the provisons of Candidates for all offices must be sub .. dates from the official nominated lists the AGMA Constitution, Article V, Sec­ mitted by the Nominating Committees to serve AGMA in the eight national tion 2, 4 and 7, 8, and 11, which pro­ of the designated areas, provided the offices, and on the Board of Governors. vides for the election of members to candidate is an Active Member in good All members who are classified Active serve on the Board of Governors, who standing, or by submission of a petition members and were in good standing are elected to serve for three years, and signed by no less than fifteen Active were eligible to vote. the officers who must be elected every Members in good standing. After certi­ two years, the Board declared the areas fication of such executed nominations, We are printing below in conformity from which membership quotas entitled the Ballot was prepared and mailed to with a resolution of the Board of Gov­ them to candidates for the Board, and the membership. ernors, a summary of the complete elec­ authorized the Executive Secretary to tion returns. National officers serve for proced with the nominations and the Following a nationwide secret ballot, two years and an asterisk indicates that elections of such candidates. AGMA members have chosen the candi- the member has been re-elected.

ELECTED OFFICERS OF AGMA Board of Go·vernors PHILADELPHIA The following candidates were nomi­ (Chorister-I) President nated for the Board of Governors. The 1. JESSIE C. WALKER ...... !...... 10 LA WRENCE TIBBETT* ...... 261 length of term of office is for three 2. Walter Knetlar ...... 8 John Brownlee (write-in) ...... 2 years. An asterisk denotes re .. election. 3. Warren Holland ...... 2 James Pea,se (write-in) ...... 2 Donald Dame (write-in) ...... 1 NEW YORK CHICAGO.MIDWEST Hugh Thompson (write-in) ...... 1 (Chorister-I) Richard Bonelli (write-in) ...... 1 (Soloists-I 0) Jascha Heifitz (write-in) ...... 1 1. WINIFRED HEIDT* ...... 157 1.ILMA BA YLE* ...... 10 Astrid Varnay (write-in) ...... 1 2. ...... 150 3. RICHARD TUCKER ...... 150 First Vice-President 4. FELIX KNIGHT* ...... 132 (Dancer-I) ASTRID VARNAY* (formerly 4th 5. POLYNA STOSKA * ...... 129 1. NANCY JOHNSON ...... 13 Vic&Pres.) ...... 266 6. OSIE HAWKINS ...... 126 Regina Resnik (write-in) ...... 1 7. LAWRENCE DAVIDSON ...... 125 LOS ANGELES (write-in) ...... 1 8. MURIEL RAHN ...... 124 Ilma Bayle (write-in) ...... 1 9. LLOYD HARRIS ...... 121 (Chorister-I) 10. CARLTON GAULD ...... 116 1. VIOLET KAUFMAN ...... 8 Second Vice-President 11. Gertrude Ribla ...... 101 2. Joyce Hall ...... 7 JASCHA HEIFITZ* (formerly 3rd 13. Genevieve Rowe ...... 90 3. Eva Samet ...... 7 Vice-Pres.) ...... 258 12. Emil Renan ...... 96 4. Smith Russell ...... 6 Conrad Thibault (write-in) ...... 2 14. ...... 42 5. Lyndon Crews ...... I Francesco Valentino (write-in) ...... 1 15. Eugene Conley (write-in) ...... 1 6. lIma Bayle {write-in} ...... 1 Richard Bonelli (write-in) ...... 1 16. Clifford Harvout (write-in) ...... 1 Lawrence Tibbett (write-in) ...... _.. 1 17. LorenzoAlvary (write-in) ...... I (Soloist-I) Richard Tucker (write-in) ...... I 18. Nadine Conner (write-in) ...... 1 1. FRANCIS BARNES ...... 31 19. Ann Ayers (write-in) ...... 1 Third Vice-President 20. Virginia Haskins (write-in) ...... 1 Other New Board Members MACK HARRELL ...... 254 21. Richard Wentworth (write-in) ...... 1 22. Todd Duncan (write-in) ...... 1 Since the election for the Board of Arthur Backgren (write-in) ...... 1 Governors, due to resignations from Herman Tappo (write-in) ...... I 23. Thelma Votipka (write-in) ...... I 24. Jerome Hines (write-in) ...... 1 the Board, the following AGMA memo Fourth Vice-President bers have been appointed to serve out (Dancers-2) JAMES PEASE* (formerly 2nd the terms of those whose resignations Vice-Pres_) ...... "...... 255 1. CHARLES WEIDMAN ...... 89 were accepted with regret. Cesare Siepi (write-in) ...... 1 2. IVA KITCHELL ...... 87 Gertrude Ribla, Soloist, was appoint­ 3. Alfredo Corvino ...... 57 Irving Lavitz (write-in) ...... 1 ed to serve for two years in the place Osie Hawkins (write-in) ...... 1 4. Vida Brown ...... 35 Maurice Kostroff (write-in) ...... "...... 1 5. Lorraine Ruess ...... 29 of Mack Harrell, who was elected to the 6. Peter Gladke ...... 24 office of Third Vice President. Emile Fifth Vice-President 7. Frank Hobi ...... 22 Renan, Soloist, was appointed to serve LEOPOLD SACHSE .""""""".,,"",, ...... 161 (Stage Director-I) for one year in place of Arthur Kent, Irving Lavitz ...... 99 Genevieve Rowe, Soloist, to fulfill the Felix Knight (write-in) ...... 1 1. HERBERT GRAF ...... 116 one year period of Margaret Speaks, Thelma Votipka (write-in) ...... 1 2. Leopold Sachse ...... 79 Herman Tappo (write-in) ...... 1 and Carroll Tausigg, Chorister, was se­ Louis D'Angeelo (write-in) ...... 1 (Choristers-3 ) lected to serve for one year, in place of Francesco Curci (write-in) ...... 1 l.MAY SAVAGE* ...... 112 Edith House. Recording Se.cretary 2. FRANK D'ELIA * ...... 90 3. HENRY S. ARTHUR ...... 69 GOT ANY NEWS? ELIZABETH HOEPPEL ...... 253 4. Betty Stone ...... 63 5. Carroll Taussig ...... 62 Members who have any news items 6. Matthew Farruggio ...... 57 of interest for the next AGMA· DONALD DAME ...... 261 7. Joseph Hancock ...... 44 ZINE please send to the office, Edwin Dunning (write-in) ...... 1 8. Tom Pyle ...... 26 care of the AGMAZINE Editor. Frederick Jagel (write-in) ...... 2 9. Mary Kreste (write-in) ...... 1 6 Elected Officers Of AGMA

Lawrence Tibbett Astrid Varnay Jascha Heifetz Mack Harrell

James Pease Leopold Sachse Elisabeth Hoeppel Donald Dame

Elected the AGMA Board of Governors

Charles Weidman Regina Resnick Herbert Graf Polyna Stoska

7 Labor Must Educate Its Members on Vital Issues

In apprecIatIOn of the words of wis­ their entire school careers without hear­ democracy failed to function because dom contained in an address of the ing a favorable mention of the achieve­ the people neglected their inherent pow­ President of the American Federation of ments of organized labor or its place in er, or used it in ignorance. Labor, AGMAZINE takes pleasure in re­ American history. "Too often have the enemies of the printing the following in order that our "The ideals of Gompers will not be people been able to move into power membership can be acquainted with the realized until adequate educational stan­ through the base exploitation of the sound program for union membership dards, including higher educational fa­ nobler sentiments of the people. They education submitted by Mr. William cilities, are assured to all of the nation's have garnered votes with cries of 'lib­ Green. youth; and until control over them is in erty,' though to them it means the power AFL President William Green called the hands of the friends of popular edu­ of the few to take liberties with the rights for "a sound program of education" for cation and of the people of the commu­ of the many. They have donned the union members to give them "an aware­ nity, who are most directly concerned. cloak of 'Americanism' but the kind of ness of the nature of the issues confront­ The A. F. of L. will continue to work America which they would have is very ing them, and of their rights and inter­ toward this end. remote from our democratic ideals. It ests therein. "Gompers knew the truth that endur­ would reserve opportunity for the up­ perdog and provide only stern denial to Mr. Green explained how Samuel ing betterment for workingmen must the ill-housed, the unemployed, the aged Gompers, founder and first president of come primarily from workingmen - and the infirm. the AFL, worked for greater educational and that the labor movement could ad­ opportunities for working men and their vance no faster than all of its constit­ Sound Education Needed children and families. He said the fund, uent parts. "A sound program of education for sponsored by the AFL, CIO and Inter­ "I believe that now, more than ever good trade unionism and for good citi­ national Association of Machinists, was before, we need to keep that basic fact zenship should develop the perception a practical memorial to the 100th anni­ in the front of our minds. We have per­ needed to penetrate such political dis­ versary of the birth of Gompers on Jan­ haps been too prone to gauge our prog­ guises and smokescreens, and to lay uary 27, 1850. ress by membership figures alone - by bare the underlying truth. The results "The quality of education available quantitative standards, rather than of the last election would seem to indi­ to the children of workers today as com­ qualitative ones. We need to continu­ cate that we have not yet done full jus­ pared with that which was available in ally remind ourselves that organization tice to this task. But let those who read Gompers' youth is in large part a me­ and the expansion of union membership into the results of those elections a per­ morial to his efforts," Mr. Green said. is only one side of our task - that it is manent setback for American labor bear But we know that that fight is still far even more important that the number of in mind these words of Gompers: from being won. Labor, which gave so those who not only belong to trade un­ ions but who are also 'good trade un­ " 'We have been building the Ameri­ much to the cause of popular education can Federation of Labor in conformity ionists' should ~continue to grow. and whose children make up the major­ with what we believe to be the original ity of the students, still has relatively "Only to the extent that we educate, intent and purpose of America. I have little influence in its administration, as well as organize, can we be assured an abiding faith that we will succeed while the very interests who led the re­ that the structure of the organized labor and with that success are involved the sistance against the expansion of educa­ movement in America will endure and abiding progress and the welfare of the tional opportunities are frequently in continue to grow. Only to the extent that great mass of American citizenship'." positions of control of school adminis­ our members are educated to an aware­ The above is reprinted from the tratin. In many, if not most areas, edu­ ness of the nature of the issues confront­ Labor Chronicle, May 1951 cational facilities are in the hands of the ing them, and of their rights and inter­ enemies of mass education, rather than ests therein, can we hope to meet those of its friends. issues successfully. Labor can move no further or faster than its members. This THIRD UNESCO CONFERENCE "What is the all-too-prevalent conse­ is true in the economic field. It is no less quence? Facilities are inadequate and U. S. National Committee for UNESCO true in the political field. overcrowded. Teachers are overworked has invited representatives of AGMA to and underpaid, and those who engage "The working people of America are participate in its third annual confer­ in union activities or who try to expose its most numerous group of citizens. In ence to be held in Hunter College, New their students to both sides of current a democracy, certainly they are entitled York City September 9th through 13th, economic and social questions are often to a representation in Congress by men 1951. victimized. Courses which might help who are in sympathy with their legiti­ This conference will discuss the field youth in meeting the responsibilities of mate aims and aspirations. They should of art as a contributing factor in increas­ citizenship are watered down or slanted be able to remove those who have de­ ing understanding between nations and to suit the tastes of reactionary board voted themselves to the obstruction and peoples of the world. members. denial of those aspirations. The AGMA Board has accepted this "The propaganda of organized busi­ "Yet we have seen the defeat of those invitation and appointed Lawrence Tib­ ness groups circulates as 'educational in public life who took the side of the bett and Hy Faine to represent AGMA material' without challenge, but the chil­ people, and the victory of those who as delegates, with Richard Bonelli as an dren of trade unionists can go through stood against them. Too many times has alternate. 8 NEW MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Richard Tucker Winifred Heidt Felix Knight Muriel Rahn

Carroll Taussig Lloyd Harris lima Bayle

Osie Hawkins Lawrence Davidson Carlton Gauld

Iva Kitchell Francis Barnes Jessie C. Walker Emile Renan

9 AGMA-EQUITY FLEDERMAUS DISPUTE

(Continued from page 2) This decision meant that no meeting could be held on June 20th. Another meeting was set for June 27th, and then Mr. against it, which is preposterous. In comparison with the Dulzell, President of the International Board, announced his Equitys, AGMA is a small union. In any dispute, when re­ resignation from the office, and based his action upon the course to the International Board must be followed to deter­ undermining of the respect of the 4 A's and its precarious mine the rightfulness of the claim, AGMA, based upon pro­ position, both legally and financially, specifically upon AGMA. portionate representation, has only 4 votes to the combined This public announcement in placing the blame upon AGMA votes of 22 of the Equitys. In the light of this inequity, it is is contrary to our record. It was Equity who had announced difficult to qualify as a "Big Bad Wolf." that they would not obey the ruling should the vote have gone First Meeting Before International Board against them, and also walked out of the meeting. Also, it was SAG which had defied the International Board in the past re­ On June 15, 1951, at the meeting to hear the arguments on garding the TvA dispute. Yet Mr. Dulzell never publicly pro­ both sides regarding the jurisdistion of "Die Fledermaus", the tested these defiances of the 4 A's. AGMA had always been claims of both unions were presented by Mr. Faine for AGMA, in staunch support of its parent union .. Taking a dispute for and for Equity, by its counsel, Miss Brownstein. Following the a hearing and final ruling upon the matter which calls for presentation of the cases, Equity proposed a motion that the settlement to the 4 A's cannot be regarded as any lack of re­ International Board order AGMA to cease interfering with spect but an act of loyalty to the parent union. Equity's jurisdiction, which was overwhelmingly defeated. Then Equity proposed a motion that would award the juris­ As a result of these various threats and pressures, the June diction of "Fledermaus" to Equity, which also lost with 27th meeting found that AGV A had switched its vote from AGMA, AGV A and AFRA voting against the motion. Then AGMA to Equity, and also new pressure in favor of Equity Mr. Faine moved that AGMA be awarded complete jurisdic­ was given by their announcement that all AGMA members tion of "Fledermaus," which did not receive a second. This who would be engaged by the producer, if they weI:e awarded motion was a device simply to show that AGMA's prior pro­ the jurisdiction, would not have to join or pay dues to Equity. posals for dividing the jurisdiction along the lines of what When the vote was then taken upon AGMA's motion, AGV A type company was presenting the work, was the most sensible voted with Equity, and AFRA refrained from voting and the solution. Mr. Faine then moved that AGMA be awarded the motion was lost 53 to 4. Equity then moved again to be voted jurisdiction of all productions of "Die Fledermaus" with cer­ complete jurisdiction over Fledermaus and this motion was tain specific opera companies plus any other opera company passed 53 to 29 with AFRA voting with AGMA. which might produce it in the future with whom normally Following this vote, AGMA advised the Metropolitan Opera AGMA had or would have contractual relations. Association by wire that AGMA would strongly resist any at­ When this motion was made, and it was obvious that it tempt by the Metropolitan to avoid its obligations under would be approved by the International Board, Equity asked contract with AGMA; that it would insist upon compliance for a recess, which was agreed upon, with the understanding with all the terms and conditions of the Basic Agreement with that a vote on the motion would take place immediately after AGMA and would take steps to prevent and redress any the meeting reassembled. Prior to this recess, however, the breach or violation on the part of the Metropolitan which Equity representative had stated that if this motion passed, would destroy the good relations which had been built up Equity would feel it contrary to their charter and the law, and between the two organizations over the years. The Metropoli­ would not be bound by it. When the recess was over, this tan, recognizing the long association with AGMA, then pro­ statement was requested to be deleted from the record, and posed a compromise that would allow their proposed tour to then Equity asked for a postponement of the meeting for a be covered by AGMA, at the same time allowing the ruling of week in order to present new evidence. This was objected to the 4 A's to stand for all other productions of the "Fleder­ by Mr. Faine, based upon the delay that already had placed maus." This was accepted by AGMA but rejected by the Coun­ the producers in jeopardy, such as the Hollywood Bowl Assn. cil of the Equitys. With this situation of deadlock, the Met During the discussion of this matter, the representative of then wired to all artists with whom they had contracts, asking Chorus Equity stole out, thus destroying the quorum, ending them if they would sign Equity contracts, implying that other­ the meeting and making a vote on AGMA's motion impossible. wise the tour might be lost, and to which the artists replied Another meeting was set for June 20th, at which AGMA's proportionately in the affirmative. This decision of the artists motion was to be acted upon. However, prior to this meeting, was therefore predicated, not on the merits of the case, but Equity sent a letter to the President of the 4 A's, stating that upon the possibility of there being no tour if they were to vote if AGMA's motion was passed, they would fight it, and an­ "no" to the Metropolitan inquiry. nouncing that they would not attend the June 20th meeting. As a result of this untenable position, and the jeopardy of

10 the employment of artists, AGMA then issued the release as bers, must work in harmony has always been the aim of quoted at the beginning of this article. Upon AGMA's with­ AGMA. AGMA will, in the near future, seek to modify the drawal, the Metropolitan Opera, through Mr. Reginald Allen, 1939 Agreement so that the relationship of AGMA and Equity expressed its gratitude to AGMA for this intelligent and far­ is more in line with the realities of the situation. In the light sighted decision, as being one which would in the "long run of this experience, however, AGMA is even more committed serve to cement the traditional relationship of cooperation to the need of merger, in whole or in part, of the 4 A branches. between the Metropolitan and AGMA." If this dispute has shown nothing else, it has further advanced AGMA bows to the will of its parent union in this decision. the cause of such merger as the only solution toward the de­ That all unions, acting as jurisdictional agents for its mem- velopment of union strength.

Suspended List Constitutional Amendment The following artists have been sus­ On January 16, 1951, the AGMA Ballots were thereupon mailed to our pended from membership by AGMA's Board of Governors passed the follow­ voting membership for this referendum, Board of Governors. We hope that their ing resolution: Be it resolved that Ar­ and arrangements made for the ballots reinstatement will be possible in the ticle 8, Section I of the Constitution to be checked and counted 45 days from near future. shall be amended to read as follows: the date of the mailing of the secret bal­ Angstadt, Doris La Frandre, Barbara "The Guild shall hold a convention every lots. Zelda Rosenfeld, Augusta Zerlein Armolli, Amelia Lane, Beverley two years during the last three weeks and Ruding Kafka were appointed to act AuI, Ralph La Torre, Philip of the month of June, except that the as the committee to tabulate the ballots. Bajanoff, Michel La Torre, Victoria Board of Governors may, by two-thirds From the 342 ballots returned, 284 were Baroumis, Manuel Lear, Edwin C. vote, order a convention within such two Bell, Marion Leriget, Lydia adjudged to be legal ballots. The results Berryman, Glenn Leriget, Olga G. year period. The date of such Conven­ showed 272 for the amendment and 12 Bloem, John Linn, Ralph tion to be fixed by the Board of Govern­ against. Brett, Barbara Lombardi, Anthony ors at such place as the delegates at the Therefore, the Constitution now con­ Brown, Robert G. Lorenzini, Marise L. preceding convention may determine." tains this amendment, and the next Bufalo, Vital Manning, Steven Bullock, Lemuel Marinelli, Giovanni AGMA national convention will be held Busch, Oliver Markan, Maria "Be it further resolved that the first sometime in June 1952 in accordance Busch, Robert E. Markowitz, Ruth S. convention under such amended Article with the expressed will of our member­ Camano, Nancy Mendelson, Sonia 8, Section I, shall be in June 1952." ship. Castagna, Bruna Meneghetti, Carlo Chapman, Dorothy Moffett, Jay T. Chapman, Kenneth Moon, Heather HONORABLE WITHDRAWAL Chase, Isabelle Moore, Ruby S. Chase. Nancy Musetti, Achille OBITUARY Crosby, Betty B. Nash, Joseph Members who become inactive in Davis, William O. Nelson, Marcus J. AGMA's field may apply for an Honor­ GEORGE M. JONES DeKeyser, Jean Nordbye, Ray able Withdrawal. An Honorable With­ Chorister Dennis, Paul Oberjat, Emil H. drawal suspends the payment of dues SERGE KOUSSEVITSKY Domingo, Baldomero N.O'Donnell, May Conductor Douglas, Cephas Omeron, Grace during a period of inactivty, provided Duno, Daniel Osta, Teresita the member remains inactive for a year HAZEL LA FEVER Dwyer, Jean Owen, Kenneth P. or more. If the member resumes work Chorister Field, Betty Parker, Sherry in AGMA's jurisdiction before the ex­ JOSEF MARCHAND Fitzgerald, Brenda Pointer, Wm. D. piration of one year, the dues are pay­ Chorister Foster, Norman Portaro, Concetta Garvan, Hope Raymond, Norma Wolf able as though withdrawal had not been QUEENA MARIO Gaston, Conchita Redding, Earl granted. If the member returns to work Soloist Geiger, Louise Reed, Napoleon after the expiration of the year, it is RUBIN SIVATOFF Gobertz, Aaron Rossi, Josephine only necessary to pay the current dues Chorister Goodman, Estelle Rowton. Eric at that time. Honorable Withdrawals are Gray, Jim Ruffner; Sanford MARIO VALLE Gray, Leslie Scafa, Mary granted only to members in good stand­ Soloist ing. Grenfall, Quintin Scancarella, John The membership of AGMA pays priv­ Gundersen, Signe Schreyer, Olivia Gustavson, Eva Shaw, Laurie, G. An Honorable Withdrawal status does ileged homage to its members who have Hamilton, Peter Siggens, Margaret E. not mean that you are no longer an passed away since our last issue. Hawkins. Wm. Smith, Jackson D. AGMA member. You are merely placed The merit of their service to the cul­ Haydon, Robert Sozio, Peter in the inactive file, but your obligations Hilt. Ferdinand Stern, Selma tural life of this country and the world Hlad, Elinore Theard. Harry L. as a union member are not altered. is attested to by the high degree of their larovitzky, Adrian West, Charles Paul fame in the world of music. Their ab­ Kane, Edward Wilson, James A. AGMA rules that members entering the sence will be felt by all and AGMA Kayne, Dorothy Winston, Alan ARMED FORCES will be automatically Kerin, Lucille Worell, Chauncey H. wishes to express its sympathy to those given an Honorable Withdrawal, which relatives and close friends whose great Kingsley, Charles Yongue, Charles P. will remain in effect until the member Krehbiel, Clayton Youngerman, Corlis loss is shared by the artist members of Kupev, Cuperi. Michele Zavala, Fernando returns from such service and re-enters this union. Kupfer. David the field of AGMA's jurisdiction. 11 Official AGMA Companies Cooper Union Opera Series The following companies have nego­ San Carlo Opera Company tiated Basic Agreements with AGMA for Association Under the joint sponsorship of AGMA the 1951-1952 season. Shreveport Civic Opera Association and the Cooper Union, a series of six AGMA artists may perform only with Stadium Concens, Inc. operas will be presented in the fall an. I Producers or Associations listed in this Symphony Society of San Antonio winter season 1951-1952. These present­ column. Any violations of this ruling will Charles L. Wagner ations will be directed by Dr. Leopold result in disciplinary action by the Washington Symphony Society Sachse and will be part of the Adult Board of Governors. Education Program of Cooper Union It is always advisable to check with BALLET and are open to the public without the AGMA office before accepting any Ballet Intime charge. offer to sign a contract. Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Inc. AU members of AGMA in good stand­ OPERA Ballet Theatre, Inc. ing, whether principals, choristers, or City Center of Music & Drama, Inc. dancers are eligible to participate in Central City Opera House Ass'n., Inc. Covent Gardens Trust, Ltd. (Sadler's these performances. This program has Chautauqua Institution Wells) been planned along the lines used by Cincinnati Summer Opera Ass'n., Inc. Mata and Hari the Equity Library Theatre and will City Center of Music & Drama, Inc. BROADWAY COMPANIES serve as a showcase for members to ap­ Opera Association, Inc. pear before the public and gain valu­ Connecticut Opera Ass'n. The Barrier Company able experience and perform in operas Denver Grand Opera Association Equinox Company which they have not heretofore had of­ Fort Worth Civic Opera Ass'n., Inc. fered to them. Frantz Opera Players CONCERT The Guild Opera Company There will be no admission charged Italian Opera Company, Inc. Concert Theatre, Limited and therefore, no compensation to any La Scala Opera Association of Holly­ James A. Davidson Management, Inc. of the members appearing in these op­ wood (Rodgers & Hammerstein Nights) eras. AGMA and Cooper Union have set Little Orchestra Society, Inc. De Paur Infantry Chorus aside a sum of money to cover certain Los Angeles Conservatory of incidental expenses. Music & Arts Auditions are being held by Dr. Los Angeles Grand Opera Productions AGMA Members Sachse at the Great Hall, Cooper Union, Metropolitan Opera Ass'n., Inc. and any AGMA member wishing to J. H. Meyer On TVA Board audition may address such a request to National Grand Opera Company the AGMA office and an appointment New England Opera Company Ann Ayars and Peter Gladke were can be made for such an audition. The New England Opera Theatre, Inc. chosen by the Board of Governors to re­ New Orleans Opera House Ass'n., Inc. place members who have resigned from Since there is a crying need for such Nine O'Clock Opera Company the Tv A Board. Presently on the opportunities, AGMA urges the mem­ Opera Guild of Miami Board from AGMA are: Felix Knight, bers to avail themselves of this offer Frank Pace Lanny Ross, Leopold Sachse, Law­ and participate in this worthy project. rence Tibbett, Beatrice Tompkins. Pacific Opera Company Dr. Sachse will direct these opera Paterson Opera Co. Francis Barnes of Los Angeles, Henry productions and they will be of the high­ Father Leonardo Pavone Reese of Los Angeles, and lIma Bayle est caliber possible. Philadelphia Civic Grand Opera Co. of Chicago. Maurice Kostroff is the al­ Philadelphia La Scala Opera Co., Inc. ternate for Mr. Barnes, Donald Dame If this program is a success, AGMA Pittsburgh Opera Co. for Mr. Reese, and Betty Stone for lIma will inaugurate such a plan as a perma­ Popular Price Grand Opera Company Bayle. nent feature of AGMA's activities.

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