Vol. IV, No. 1 PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, Inc., A. F. of L. January, 1951

OFFI CERS OFFICES

LA WRENCE TIBBETT New York 18 President 276 West 43rd Street CONRAD THIBAULT Telephone: LOngacre 5-7508, 9, 10 1st Vice·President • JAMES PEASE Los Angeles 2nd Vice·President CEDRIC HART JASCHA HEIFETZ 6636 Hollywood Boulevard 3rd Vice·President Suite 238, Cherokee Bldg. Telephone: Hudson 2-2334 ASTRID VARNAY 4th Vice· President • Sar. Franscisco THELMA VOTIPKA THEODORE HALE 5th Vice·President 216 Pine Street ELISABETH HOEPPEL Telephone: Sutter 0855 Recording Secretary • DONALD DAME Philadelphia Treasurer PAUL M. CHALFIN HYMAN R. FAINE 1428 So. Penn Square Executive Secretary Telephone: Rittenhouse 6·3100 HOWARD M. LARAMY • Assistant to Executive Secretary Chicago BERNARD W. ZUEBERT BEN MEYERS Financial Secretary 188 W. Randolph Street Telephone: State 0585 • • JAFFE & JAFFE HOWARD M. LARAMY Counsel Editor Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New!

Another holiday season is here. The AGMA office staff activated. We are now faced with a world torn by conflicting wishes to extend the best of the season's greetings to all ideologies in which the United States along with the other AGMA members with a sincere wish that in 1951 all AGMA free nations who are members of the United Nations, are artists will enjoy greater success with ever widening avenues committed to a program of rearmament in order to present for employment. a stronger array of forces to maintain order and international The editor of AGMAZINE wishes to express his regret to law in the world. the membership for the delay in the publication of AGMA­ The challenge of 1951 to the AGMA membership is clear. ZINE which contains informational material of the proceed­ We must all uphold the position we now have achieved in ings of the Convention as well as other facts of interest to our jurisdictional field. We must be eager and willing to AGMA artists. cooperate in bringing about greater opportunities for our The Convention had been well-planned and the subjects artists as well as lend our individual and concerted efforts on the agenda were discussed fully with resulting recommen­ toward implementing all programs which AGMA will support dations to the Board of Governors for approval or rejection. in the interests of bringing the cultural inspiration of music The delegates came to their duties fully prepared and to a greater number of the American citizens, who now more with a sense of responsibility, applied themselves to their than ever, need the cultural uplift derived from such enter­ tasks with enthusiasm and zest, much was accomplished in tainment. the time allotted. Many of the items on the agenda were AGMA presently has the talented membership trained to endorsed by the Board of Governors and have been since give of their best for the public good and we are ready to incorporated into negotiations with producers. Other items negotiate with all producers the conditions for whatever type toward enlarging the scope of AGMA in opportunity and of performances of the musical arts within our jurisdiction. greater employment for our members are being studied and Here's to the New Year. Ring out the old, ring in the new. Concert Of The Year

The Maintenance and Welfare Fund Margaret Speaks, Leonard Warren, Lanny of AGMA will be benefited by the gala Ross, Erno Balogh, Lawrence Tibbett, "Concert of the Year" to be given on Felix Knight, Frank Forest, May Savage, Sunday Evening, January 7, 1951 at Frank D'Elia, Ruggiero Ricci, Thea Dis· the Metropolitan Opera House, 8 :30 peeker, Jan Peerce, James Melton, Charles P.M. Kullman, Frank Chapman, Richard Bon· Under the chairmanship of Frank elli, David Libidins, Deems Taylor, Wil· Chapman, the Concert Committee is com­ frid Pelletier, Kurt Adler, Eugene Conley, prised of the following members: Winifred Heidt, Regina Resnick. Hyman R. Faine. Sol Hurok, Ward French, This Committee has been working like James A. Davidson, Marks Levine, Law· eager beavers for the past months to renee Evans, O. O. Bottorff, Jack Adams, make this concert the best ever give:!

Elizabeth Schuman, accompanied by Fritz' Reiner, in a group of German lieder, a feature of the Concert 'of the Year.

under the AGMA aegis, with world re­ nowned artists, performing for the en­ joyment of the music lovers ,1nd patrons of New York, as their gesture of gener­ osity to the Maintenance of the Guild, and the Welfare of our artists, who from time to time need assistance from their union. A total of seventeen famous artists have signified their wish to be a part of such a program, and the opportunity to hear as many artists on one program is a "must" upon everyone's calendar of choice events. From the Metropolitan Opera Asso­ ciation there will be Robert Merrill, Pat­ rice Munsel, Eugene Conley, Thelma Vo­ tipka, Fedora Barbieri, Cesare Siepi, Fritz Reiner, and the Metropolitan Op­ era Chorus, augmented for this concert, under the direction of Kurt Adler. The concert, radio, ballet, and theatre fields will be represented by Lawrence Tibbett; Gladys Swarthout; Todd Dun­ can, last seen in the Broadway hit "Lost in the Stars"; Elizabeth Schumann, re­ nowned soprano of opera and concert, who will sing a group of Lieder accom­ panied by Fritz Reiner, the famous con­ ductor; Gyorgy Sandor, Hungarian pianist; Aldo Parisot, Brazilian cellist; Elena Nikolaidi, Greek Soprano, later to ap­ pear at the Metropolitan Opera ; Yehudi Menuhin, violinist; the Philharmonic Piano Quartet with Ada Kopetz, Bertha Melnik, John Scales and Max Walmer; George Balanchine, world famous chore­ ographer and dancer who will be assisted by Herbert Bliss, Frank Hobi, Yurek Lawrence Tibbett, President of AGMA discussing plans for Concert of the Year with Lazovsky, Janet Reed, Barbara Walczak, Gladys Swarthout, Deems Taylor, George Balanchine and Gyorgy Sandor. (Continued on next page) 2 Vida Brown and Dorothy Dushock of the N.Y. City Ballet Co., dancing the Convention Attendance Record Mazurka by Glinka; and Imogene Coca, comedienne and star of WNBT's "Your AGMA's Third Annual Convention took place on Friday, Saturday, and Show of Shows." Sunday, June 16, 17, 18, 1950 at the Hotel Lincoln III New York City. Deems Taylor will be the master of Herewith we list the elected Conve~tion delegates together with their attend­ ceremomes and Wilfrid Pelletier will be ance record at each session. The attendance record key is as follows: "A" indicates the musical director of the concert. absent, Px means that the delegate was represented by proxy, and P signifies that This AGMA "Concert of the Year" the delegate was present. The area from which the delegate was elected is indicated will be the gala event of the 1951 sea­ by abbreviated letters, such as N.Y. for New York; Phil., for Philadelphia; L.A. son. Frank Chapman with the able as­ for Los Angeles; S.F. for San Francisco, N.O. for New Orleans. sistance of Audrey Michaels as publicity director, and the Concert Committee, 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 are bending every effort to make this a June 16 June 17 June 18 Backgren, Arthur. N. Y...... P P Px Px Px Px Px Px Balogh, Erno, N. Y...... P Px Px Px Px P P Px Barnes, Francis, L. A...... P P P P P P P P Barashkova, Julia, N. Y ...... P P P Px P P P P Bayle, lIma, Chicago ...... P P P P P P P P Boris, Ruthanna, N. Y ...... P P P P Px P P P Brown, Lucy, N. Y ...... P P P Px Px Px P P Chapman, Frank, N. Y ...... Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Conley, Eugene, N. Y...... P P P P P P P P Cornwell, Imogene, S. F ...... P P P P P P P P Dame, Donald, N. Y ...... A A A A A A A A D'Angelo, Louis, N. Y...... P P Px P P Px P Px Davidson, Lawrence, N. Y ...... A A A A P Px Px Px Dolinoff, Alexis, N. Y ...... P P P P P P P P Edwards, Lydia, N. Y ...... P Px P P P Px Px Px Fisher, William, N. Y...... P P P P P Px P P Gauld, Carlton, N. Y ...... , P P P P P P P P Greenwell, Gean, N. Y ...... P P P p P P Px P Guenter, Paul, S. F ...... Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Hoel, Edson, S. F ...... P P P P P P P P FRANK CHAPMAN Holland, Warren, Phil...... P P P P P P P P Chairman House, Edith, N. Y ...... P P P P P P P P Concert of the Year Kitchell, Iva, N. Y ...... P P P P P P Px Px Kostroff, Maurice, N. Y...... P P P P P P P P Lewis, Brenda, N. Y...... Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Px sell-out performance and the success Minet, Elissa, N. Y...... P P P P P Px P Px such a musical treat should be. O'Toole, Glenna, Chicago ...... P P P P P A P P Every AGMA member should get be­ Palomares, Jose, L. A ...... Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Px hind this concert with its array of the Peace, James, N. Y...... P P P P Px P P Px world's most famous artists, to make it Radic, John E., L. A ...... Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Px a brilliant success. Rahn, Muriel, N. Y...... P P P P P P Px P Renan, Emile, N. Y...... P P Px Px Px Px Px Px The AGMA artists who have contrib­ Ricci, Ruggiero, N. Y...... P Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Romain, Hilda, L. A...... P P P P P P P P uted their talents and time to perform Rowe Genevieve, N. Y...... P P P P P P Px P and promote this "Concert of the Year" Sachse, Leopold, N. Y ...... P P P P Px P P Px have the hearty appreciation and lasting Savage, May, N. Y ...... A P P P P P P P Southern, George, Phil...... P P P P P P P P gratitude of all the AGMA membership. Speaks, Margaret, N. Y...... P P P P P P P P Let us all demonstrate our thanks by our Stone, Betty, N. Y...... P P Px P P Px Px Px individual promotion and attendance on Taussig, Carroll W., N. Y...... P Px P P Px Px Px Px J anu~ry 7th at the Metropolitan. Tessmer, Joseph M., Chicago ...... P P P P P Px Px Px Thibault, Conrad, N. Y ...... P P P P Px Px P P Here's to a packed house for this gala Tibbett, Lawrence, N. Y ...... Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Px event, the most wonderful gift package Walker, Jessie S., Phil ...... P P P P P P P P Winteler, Arthur P., N. O ...... P P P P P P P P on the calendar of holiday entertain­ Windheim, Marek, N. Y...... Px Px Px Px Px Px Px Px ment. Yannopoulos, Dino, N. Y ...... A Px Px Px Px Px Px Px 3 Annual Report Of Executive Secretary

By HYMAN R. F AINE collection or the amounts to be paid or any extraordinary, increases in the expenses not Approximately a year and a half ago we held our first national conven­ foreseen by the budget will have serious effects tion here in New York City. That convention marked a new turn in the upon our financial structure. Furthermore, we history of this union. At those sessions AGMA and the delegates were learn­ cannot continue to have the costs of the con­ ing a technique new to them in the government and organization of their vention borne by the general treasury. The union. The experiences of that convention, its deficiencies and accomplish- previous method of financing it, namely ments, should stand us in good stead in . . . through a concert in New York City, while our deliberations during the next three membershIp and COmmIttee meetmgs, Board successful for the first two years, could not days of Governors' deliberations, and discussions be achieved this past year. This convention, . with individual members. The results of all therefore, should seriously consider this AGMA is comparatively a young union. It these have been available to all members method or other methods of financing the has continuously been evolving procedures whenever they so desired. AGMA being a costs of the conventions and establishing such and policies which would best effectuate the democratic union, and I might say parentheti­ financing on a sound basis so that there can purposes for which it was founded, and ad- cally, improperly criticized by some as being be assurance of the continuity of our con­ vance the interests of its membership. Look- too democratic, which is a phrase which I do ventions. If we cannot be sure of financial ing over the fourteen years of its existence, not understand and certainly cannot agree support for the conventions, I urge serious I note remarkable progress, both in its growth with, has made no decisions or moves without consideration of the possibility of making the as a trade union, and in its achievements for first going to the general or the specific mem­ convention every two years, instead of once the betterment of the musical arts in the bership involved for understanding and ap­ a year. United States. proval. Therefore, I am sure that many of AGMA was founded by leading principals you, as active members in your own areas, New Los Angele's in the concert, operatic and ballet fields, who and on the Board of Governors, are familiar Set-up banded together with the idea of forming a with many of the things I will report on. guild for the furtherance of the musical art As I indicated above, there has been a in the United States and for the economic Firumcial Status complete revision of the set-up of the Los protection of its members. The subsequent Angeles office. A few comments, I believe of ACMA years have added to its membership choral would be in place. Prior to the first of this singers, group and corps dancers, and the I would like to start this report by discuss­ year, AGMA affairs in Los Angeles were mass of the artists in this field. The original ing firstly the matter of the financial situation handled by Mr. L B. Kornblum, an attorney idea of a guild, while not altogether forgotten, in AGMA. You will very shortly receive a de­ with many years of association and experience and which I hope will never be forgotten, has tailed report upon our finances. This will representing many of the 4A's unions in Los been enriched by activities for the economic indicate to you a healthy condition in onr Angeles, including that of AGMA. For the betterment and protection of its members and financial structure. We have managed to stay past few years, such representation on his part of the art from which its members make their within our budget and at the same time has been limited to' AGMA and Actors and living. achieve a small surplus at the end of each Chorus Equity. AGMA, of course, was never A review of the activities of your union for of the last few years. However, the total of able to pay him for full time representation, the past eighteen months clearly shows how the income as well as the amount of the sur- and his services were shared between us and these advances have been achieved. The re­ plus, while increasing, has never increased to that of Equity. Mr. Kornblum was able, with­ sults of the last year and a half have brought the point where it would be safe to introduce in the limitation I have said before, to render to the membership of AGMA increasing stabi­ radical changes either in the total of the in­ excellent services to AGMA and its members, lity in the matter of employment, greater pro­ come or in the amount expended. I am proud and to accomplish a good deal within the tection while employed, and the beginnings to say that I believe we are the only 4A's union Los Angeles Area. But it was obvious to your of protection when unemployed, either tempo· which has been able to maintain for the past Board and to me and to many others that rarily or upon dismissal. We have also through year its expenses at a point less than its in­ there were serious defects in this structure. other activities taken an increasingly leading come. This must be done so that in the event Therefore, when last November Mr. Kornblum and important part in matters directly affect­ of a possible disastrous change in the financial indicated his desire to leave AGMA, such de­ ing the welfare or our members and indirectly situation AGMA will have a certain amount sire was agreed to reluctantly, but with a all the musical world. Today, it can be pro­ of cushion to fall back upon. In the past year feeling that this would give us an opportunity perly and honestly said that AGMA is re­ we have had to make onr proportionate share to re-organize the whole structure in Los spected to a greater degree than ever before, to the establishment of the Television Author­ Angeles_ There was first consideration of both by its members, the employers with ity. This year, three-fourths of the cost of this' having one full time man plus a staff represent whom we deal, and the musical world in gen­ convention are being borne by the AGMA Na­ both us and Actors and Chorus Equity_ The eral. tional Treasury. This year we have consider­ membership in Los Angeles, however, having It would be difficult in a summary and with­ ably added to the cost of maintaining the a closer understanding of the local problems, in the time allowed here to go into detail and AGMA office in Los Angeles, and have es­ made a survey of possible candidates in Los enumerate all the many and manifold accom­ tablished an office in Philadelphia. All these Angeles, and recommended the engagement plishments of the past eighteen months. A have been accomplished, and yet, as I have of Cedric Hart. Mr. Hart is a writer of dis­ brief summary will have to suffice. The agenda said, we have stayed within our budget and tinction and a person who is intimately ac­ of this Convention has many subjects for your have increased to a small extent our operating quainted with the field of opera, ballet and consideration. In the consideration of these funds. I know that there are delegates here music generally, and more specifically the subjects, greater amplification can be made who have some proposals to make, both with whole structure of the music world in South­ of specific contracts, policies and programs of regard to the change in the dues structure, ern California. After discussion and investiga­ the past year and a half. Everything that has and in regard to increasing facilities and costs tion, the Board of Governors accepted the re­ been done by your Board, your Officers, rep­ of some of the out of town AGMA offices. I commendation of the Los Angeles Executive r:esentatives and myself, has been sifted shall reserve my comments on these proposals Committee and approved Mr. Hart's engage­ through a democratic process of checks and at the appropriate place in the discussion. But ment. I am happy to report that this has be(ln balances. These have included meetings of I must point out that any downward revision an extremely wise and auspicious choice. In particular groups and companies, general in the dues structure or any changes in the (Continued on next page) -4 San Francisco, New Orleans and Philadelphia. I can state that they have operated success­ fully, and have enabled the local membership to achieve a measure of self-rule and admi­ nistration which have been of great benefit to the members in those cities and to the na­ tional organization. Functions of a Trade Union One of the main functions of a trade union is the betterment of the economic conditions of its members and the relationship of its members with their employers. It was not' many years ago that people said that artists either cannot or will not be organized into a union and that art should not be ham-strung by problems of wages and making a living. The existence and growth of AGMA has dis­ proved this contention. But in our negotia· tions, this problem continuously, in one form or another, creates difficulties. Our field is in many respects unique because our employ­ ers for the most part are non-profit organiza­ tions, some I might add not genuinely so al­ AGMA Vice-President Thibault, greets fOrIner Mayor William O'Dwyer, who welcomed though having been so declared by the govern­ delegates to New York City. ment. Thus, our achievements are all the more remarkable since we have had to win them the past six mcmths, Mr. Hart has done a resentation by an experienced individual who - from organizations who operate on a deficit phenomenal job of re-organizing the office set­ is not directly involved in the problems with basis. AGl\1A has never been able in bargain­ up, which we share with Actors and Chorus which he deals. I would like to compliment ing to use the argument of big profits, as un­ Equity. He has also made remarkable pro­ Mr. Chalfin and the work that he has accom­ ions in other industries are able to do. Yet in gress in obtaining membership cooperation plished. spite of these limitations, our negotiations that and participation, has won the respect and were completed during the past eighteen admiration of the employers with whom he Other Areas months have been marked by great advances has been dealing, and has placed AGMA in of Membership in the economic status of our members. the forefront of the musical world in South­ Our officers in Chicago and San Francisco Opera Agreements ern California. I am, therefore, paying my have continued to function in the effective Negotiated sincere respects and appreciation to Mr. Hart manner with which the members from those personally, and the members of the Executive areas are fully familiar. I feel certain that In the field of opera, we have signed new Committee who recommended him, and have this happy state of affairs will continue. (I contracts with the San Francisco Opera Asso­ worked so faithfully with him. understand that some delegates here have re­ ciation, the Metropolitan Opera Association, Philadelphia Representative ports from the local areas, prepared by the and the New York City Center of Music and AGMA Representatives, giving a brief re­ Drama. The contract with the San Francisco for Area sume of activities in their area, and these will Opera, negotiated after considerable difficulty, We have also re-organized the representa­ enable the delegates to gain more details of involved a trip by me to the West Coast. It tion set-up in Philadelphia. The number of the local activities.) is an agreement for two years, retaining all AGMA members in Philadelphia has and con­ Before proceeding to other matters, and as of the excellent provisions of the past con­ tinues to remain small. Only eight or nine a complimentary feature of the efforts of tract, and adding thereto an increase of five months ago representation of AGMA was in AGMA to strengthen the officers and repre­ percent in the minimums for chorus and bal­ the hands of a volunteer member, Gilbert sentation of its members in the cities outside let, an increase in the snstenance to dancers, Mason, who did an excellent job in spite of of New York City, we have in the past year increase in compensation during the chorus the fact that he had a full time job on his own also strengthened the membership organiza­ instruction period, and a provision for further and, of course, rehear~ed and sang in many tional pattern in those cities to enable the increases in the minimum if there should be performances. Obviously, however, he was not members there, actively to participate in the a rise in the cost of living index. This was able to devote a considerable amount of time workings of AGMA and in their own local achieved in spite of the fact that the opera to the work and his being a working member affairs. As you all know, AGMA does not have association suffered a deficit of $130,000 that placed him at a disadvantage in discussing a system of independent and autonomous year. problems with his own employers. Upon the locals. However, we have all recognized the The contract with City Center was negoti­ urging of the Philadelphia Executive Com­ need for local organizations for purposes of ated over a six month period, and although mittee, I investigated the problem and recom­ administration and for membership participa­ it aroused considerable feelings on both sides, mended the engagement of Mr. Paul M. Chal­ tion. This was one of the cardinal changes in was ultimately completed in an amicable fin, an attorney acquainted with labor prob­ the constitution adopted two years ago. In atmosphere. It is the best contract we ever lems, as our representative in Philadelphia_ line with this policy, and based upon the re­ had in that institution and marked consider· Mr. Chalfin is receiving a nominal amount commendations of the delegates at the last able progress over previous contracts. It will and is working on a part time basis. While convention, a series of rules were adopted by run for a two year period, and embodies a there remain several things to be accomplished the Board of Governors, establishing local number of innovations in our opera provisions. in Philadelphia, particularly the organization Executive Committees, providing for their For one, it places limitations 011 the number of the Cosmopolitan Opera Company, I am hap­ composition, the authority which they had, of hours principals may rehearse and provides py to report that this change has been success­ and indicating the functions which they should for overtime pay over a certain number of ful, and fruitful to AGMA's interests and its perform. Under these rules executive com­ free hours as well as payment for rehearsals membership. For the first time, we have rep- mittees are operating in Chicago, Los Angeles, (Continued on page 6) 5 Annual Report Of Executive Secretary on free days. Secondly, we obtained recogni. tion of the principle that solo singers should be paid for standing by for other singers. Thirdly, there is continuity of employment, requiring all principals who have been with the company for one year to be engaged for both seasons of the opera, and guaranteeing single performance artists a minimum number of performances in each season. Fourthly, the length of the options, except for new peo­ ple, has been cut down to one year, and fifth­ ly, under certain situations, while on tour, principals will receive an increase of fifteen percent above their New York scale, whether such scale is minimum or otherwise. For the ballet, there is a lay-off provision, as well as a day off. Both the chorus and bal. let have a sick leave clause for the first time, giving them one day of sick leave for each month of employment. The per diem on tour for principals has been set at $7 per day this past year, and $10 per day next year. The minimum compensation for choristers out of town was set at $90, which makes them the highest paid in the popular price opera field, Delegates singing national anthem. "It should have been recorded." while in town they receive a $2.50 increase this year, and another $2.50 increase next vance notice of roles and performances, as possibly five of the principals, a provIsIOn year. In addition, for the chorus, the instruc­ well as advanced dates for exercising of op­ that there would be a limitation on the tion period, prior to the rehearsal weeks, will tions of principals was achieved. And most number of discharges that the Met might be paid for. and one week of rehearsal before important, AGMA was the first union in the make in the next two years amongst those each season will be guaranteed. Metropolitan to obtain Unemployment Insur­ principals on a weekly basis who receive less AGMA has also, very recently, re-negotiated ance for its members in the house. This has than $400 a week (a similar limitation on the its contract with the Metropolitan Opera Com­ been a major objective of all the unions. In Met, I might add, was also achieved both for pany. This was a particularly difficult negotia­ addition, when the Federal law will allow it, the chorus and the ballet for the duration of tion for several reasons. Firstly, a new man­ the Met has agreed to make itself subject to the contract). Further, because of the serio agement was scheduled to take over starting Federal Old Age Laws. ous fear that the Met might change its with the Fall 1950 season. Secondly, our ex­ Besides these major economic advances, presently predominant American character isting contract had been in effect for three AGMA was able to obtain the re-engagement and once more become a predominantly years without any major revisions. Thirdly, of eight choristers out of a total of twelve dis­ European Opera House, the Met was forced shortly after the negotiations were begun, the missed, and fifteen out of thirty-six ballet to agree to state in writing that for the next new management made drastic changes in the members. two years the present ratio of American to non·American artists, which is approximately roster of chorus, ballet and principal singers. During these negotiations an exciting dem­ I am happy to be able to report that in spite onstration of unity and participation on the three to one, would not be substantially changed. AGMA has the right to arbitrate of these difficulties, the negotiations resulted part of the principals took place. Following the issue at any time. I am proud of this in the best contract AGMA has ever had with the sending of non-engagement notices to a the Metropolitan Opera and contains provi­ large number of Met principals, I wrote each remarkable demonstration of unity and militancy on the part of the Metropolitan sions in it which will be trail blazers for other of them asking whether they wished their negotiations. cases to be reviewed. At my request, a similar principals. I feel confident that this spirit will continue. Their achievement clearly The chorus members received an increase letter was sent by Mr. Bing, the new manager demonstrates that only with their own partici. in base pay of $7.50 this year, and an addi­ of the Metropolitan. The response to both pation and strength can AGMA obtain for tional $7.50 next year. There was an in­ of these letters was very small, and in several the principals the many contract prOVISIOns crease of $1.50 a day in sustenance for the cases definitely negative. The Board and the and protections which they sorely need. chorus, ballet and many of the lower priced Negotiating Committee, therefore, decided to principals. The broadcast fee for chorus was proceed with the negotiations without any Popular Price increased by about $3.50 and that of the prin­ further efforts in this direction. However, as Opera Companies cipals by. an average of $25. The minimum -the negotiations proceeded a slowly rising for ballet was increased by $5 this year, and wave of resentment and militancy occurred- in In the popular price opera field, there are $5 next year. All chorus and ballet who were the ranks of the principals. This came to a currently in effect contracts with· the follow­ not re-engaged for the coming year will re­ head in meetings I held with them in S1. ing companies, which· will run through this ceive severance pay of a substantial nature, Louis and Atlanta, which resulted in a united summer: and similarly members of the chorus and bal­ position of approximately forty of the prin­ A~ato Opera Company, After Dinner let not fe-engaged next year and the year after cipals of the Metropolitan, most of whom Opera, American Opera Company, Central would also receive such severance pay. Many included those re-engaged. Their strong posi· City Opera House Association, Chautauqua of the principals on a weekly basis are to re­ tion, which continued through the following Institution, Chicago Opera Artists Asso. ceive a $25 a week increase. Furthermore, for weeks, through a series of meetings in Chi· ciation, Cincinnati Summer Opera Associa· the first time at the Metropolitan, principals cago, and in spite of a personal appeal to tion, City Center of Music and Drama, will be paid for rehearsal weeks to follow them by Mr. Bing. Our unified position Connecticut Opera Association, Denver the first free week of rehearsal. Greater ad- resulted in the re-engagement of four and (Continued on next page) Grand Opera Company, Di Giacomo Opera Coast membership for the establishment of ducers such as these. If we can reach them Guild, Equinox Company (The Consul), "little opera" rules. I hope that in the dis­ while they are still studying, these warnings Fort V;'orth Civic Opera, Hollywood Bowl, cussion of this committee's report, a basic and cautions may dry up the sources of sing. Hollywood Bowl Opera Company, Inter· pattern can be evolved which will enable ing material upon which these unscrupulous national Royal Grand Opera Company, AGMA in its negotiations and contracts to producers feed. Little Orchestra Society, Lyric Opera keep apace with the continually evolving Association, Manhattan Civic Opera Com­ newer methods of production and presenta· Ballet Companies pany, Metropolitan Opera Association, J. H. tion of opera in the United States. Under AGMA Meyer, National Grand Opera Company, There are, however, in this field of popular In the field of ballet, we have today under New England Opera Company, New Eng. price opera, some serious overtones which contract the following companies: land Opera Theatre, New Lyric Stage must be recognized and the means devised to Ballet Carnival, Ballet Russe de Monte Incorporated, New Manhattan Opera Asso· overcome them. I am sorry to say that of Carlo, Ballet Theatre, New York City ciation, Incorporated, New Orleans Opera all the fields under AGMA's jurisdiction, the Ballet Company, New York City Modern Association, Incorporated, Opera Guild of popular price opera field gives us the most Dance Theatre, Les Ballet De Paris, Miami, Orpheus Opera Company, Philadel· difficulties in administration and is the one Mariemma and Ensemble, Martha Graham phia Civic Grand Opera Company, Phila· most prone to encourage violation and evasion Dance Company, Mia Slavenska Ballet delphia La Scala Opera Company, Pittst. both on the part of unscrupulous producers Variante, Uday Shankar, Charles Weidman burgh Opera Company, Incorporated, and naive and ill advised members or poten· Dance Company. Popular Price Grand Opera Compmy, tial members. It is in this field that AGMA is Here, too, the present type of contract has Rochester Grand Opera Company, San confronted with the existence of two oper· been in existence for two years, but will be Carlo Opera Company, San Francisco Opera ating non·union companies. These are the re·negotiated this coming summer. In prepa· Company, State Opera Association, Sym· Reutemann·New York Civic Opera Company, ration for these negotiations, committees as phony Society of San Antonio, Charles and the Erwin-Boston Grand Opera Company. well as the membership of the leading ballet L. Wagner, Opera Workshop of Laguna Both of these have, at one time or another, companies have prepared a series of pro· Beach, Guild Opera Company, Los Angeles and are now on the Unfair List. The Reute­ posals which have already been submitted to Conservatory of Music and Arts, Patterson mann organization owes many of our members Ballet Russe and Ballet Theatre, and are now Opera Company, Union City Opera Com· considerable sums of money. They are not in the process of being discussed with them. pany, Frank Pace, Pomona Valley Opera only a blot upon the excellent record AGMA These proposals contain many improvements, Club, Incorporated, has in organizing this field, but they are a and I would like to allude to two of them. By and large, the companies who have blot upon the presentation of opera. They One is an attempt this year to obtain agree­ continued to operate have signed the standard leave such a bad name behind them that ment by non·profit ballet and dance compa· type of contract, with whatev.::r modifications legitimate producers are unable to book in nies to make themselves subject to. the were necessary to suit their particular cir· those cities where they have performed. Pro· Unemployment Insurance Laws. This is a cumstances. However, there have been several ducers have criticized us on this account and major objective. Secondly, the committee has new types of productions and new situations have used these two companies as ostensible worked out a retirement plan which, too, is which have required extensive modifications reasons for refusing to continue to operate on the agenda for this convention for your of this basic type of contract. Thus, AGMA under AGMA contracts. This opposition will discussion. Briefly, it is a plan which will has had to take into account the peculiar come to a head in our negotiations this set aside certain monies both by the dancer problems of such opera companies as the coming summer. We have no reason to fear and by the employer for the future benefit Lemonade Opera Company, the Amato Opera this opposition, and I am certain that we can of the dancer. Such funds will accumulate Company, the After-Dinner Opera Company, overcome it. However, the united effort of as long as the dancer is employed within and several other small opera companies on all AGMA members will be required. AGMA's jurisdiction. Whether we can the West Coast which have performed in Even after we sign contracts with Gallo, achieve this and the other objectives remains theatres of limited seating capacity. We have Wagner, Salmaggi, and the others, the exist· to be seen. The ballet companies are, as you also had to modify the basic type of contract ence of these two companies, and their all know, operating on deficits, and the sum to suit summer stock presentations of "The several fronts, is a serious problem. AGMA total of the variolls proposals we have made Medium," "The Scarlet Letter," and the has obtained the help of the other theatrical represents !l. fairly sizeable amount. I do not Rockland County Festival. In additIon, unions in this field, and this has enabled us know whether we can achieve all of the changes have been made to fit the tabloid to keep others from following in the foot· proposals, but I hope that we can obtain a versions of operas presented in motion picture steps of those two, and has resulted in the good portion of them. If we· cannot get them houses in conjunction with presentations of cancellation of the Reutemann Company's in this contract, we will continue to press movies. Finally, the production of "The spring tour. I am hopeful that further theatri· for these objectives in the future. Medium," and lately that of "The Consul," cal union cooperation will enable us to has necessitated the establishment of a Basic Modern Dance eliminate Mr. Erwin's operations also. The Groups Contract to cover the Broadway types of difficnlty in this problem is that very often production of opera. no union stage hands are used, and musicians There are two other aspects of the ballet New Proposals are engaged without our knowing it or too and dance field which should be noted. While we have had contracts with modern lor Opera Contracts late for their unions to act. More important, there appear to be a number of singers, both dance companies who have had seasons of fair At a later session of this convention, you members and non·members, who are willing, proportion such as Weidman, Martha Graham will have an opportunity to discuss a series in order to gain so called experience. to go and Jose Limon, AGMA had never organized. of proposals that have been worked out by out with these companies and to risk disci· the other modern dance companies which had a committee in New York City, which is to plinary action by their own union, as well as given single and occasional porformances at be the basis for the coming negotiations with economic disaster and possibly being stranded. Ys, high schools, and so forth. It would have the opera companies in the popular price The solution to this problem, which cannot been obviously difficult to accomplish any field. These proposals embody many radical be achieved solely by disciplinary action major results in these sporadic presentations. provisions and are designed to meet in one against our own members, will require a However, in the past year, at the New York over·all type of contract the various modifi· wide educational campaign to reach the buy· City Center of Music and Drama, a three week cations that I have referred to above as well ers and local impresarios of these opera season was held combining the personnel of as to provide for the standard type of opera productions. We must also educate the aspir· several of these major modern dance groups production. These new proposals 1 think, ing singers in music schools and vocal studios under the name of the Modern Dance Theatre. too, will cover the request from the West who are attracted by promises made by pro- (Continued on page 8) 7 Annual Report Of Executive Secretary

This presentation was under an AGMA con­ Ludwig Lustig, Medea Management, J. H. who were not under any management, large tract, and modern dancers worked under Meyer, William Morris Agency, Inc., or small, would be encouraged to move away AGMA conditions and minimums which, I National Concert and Artists Corp. and from New York City and settle, even tempo­ am happy to say, they were delighted with. Civic Concert Service, Emmy Niclas, Mrs. rarily, in other large cities in the United I believe that this type of amalgamation will Emilia Odierno, International Lyric Bureau, States. There they could concertize and engage continue and will be of inestimable help to Louis Shurr Agency, Wesley Smith in other musical activities in order to gain the modern dancer. It will enable them to Agency, Inc., William L. Stein, Inc., Daniel experience and an audience, as well as, of get continuity of work and continuity of S. Tuthill, Vincent Attractions, Inc., Charles course, make a living. In addition, the plan appearances before large audiences and at L. Wagner, Martin Wagner, Austin Wilder, would enable managements outside of New the same time enable AGMA to work further Carl Yost, Giovanni Zenatello and Nina York City to come into being and thus on their behalf. Zenatello, Michael De Pace. decentralize concert activity away from New York City. This plan obviously required a Foreign Ballets Problems 01 good deal of work and preliminary investi­ Visit America Concert Artists gation. It appeared to Miss Kerr and myself that if AGMA could obtain the assistance of One other aspect of the dance field should The major achievement in signing managers another organization similarly interested in be noted. This is the increasing number of up in the past year has been the contract this problem, the project might get under foreign companies coming to the United with Sol Hurok. We thus have under contract way. In furtherance of this idea, I met with States. Two years ago, we had the Paris all the leading concert managers and most William Schumann, President of Julliard Opera Ballet Company for a very short and of the smaller managers, with several notable School of Music, hoping that the combination not very successful stay. Last year, Sadler's exceptions, including Miss Annie Freidberg, of AGMA and this school might unlock the Wells and Roland Petit Ballet were here for Morini, Matthews, La Berge and Colbert. In door of some foundation to set aside some considerable stays, and with remarkable addition, in all truthfulness, it must be said money to enable us to find out what the success. Next year, the last two named, as that in the case of a number of managements potential employment and concert picture was well as the Ballet Champs Elysees and the listed the contracts have not been enforced to outside of the City of New York. I am sorry Marquis de Cueva Grand Ballet de Monte the fullest extent. I believe that one of the to report that the response from J ulliard was Carlo are scheduled to perform in the United major objectives of AGMA in this coming not too favorable to the whole idea, or to any States. The appearance of so many companies year should be a concentration upon that efforts at investigating the problem. Since on the scene presents a serious problem to problem and the concert field. Our difficulties then, this plan has lain dormant, but I urge the American dancers. This problem is part in this field are due to several causes. We its further discussion by this convention at of the larger problem of the foreign artists have not yet completely unionized the artists a later point in its proceedings. issue which, too, is on the agenda for this under the large managements. This has been convention, and is the subject of investiga­ a slow process because we have had to wait As I have said previously, this should be tion by a membership committee at this time. until their individual contracts come up for one of the major fields of activity of AGMA The foreign artists problem in regard to renewal, and they could be resigned on an in the next year and should include complete dance is very much more difficult than in AGMA standard form of contract calling for unionization of managements under contract the field of opera or concert, because here union membership. Therefore, as long as with possible disciplinary action against whole companies appear and perform. On the major managements have not been com­ members or unfair action against members, the other hand, it must be noted that there pletely unionized, it has been difficult to and organizations of the unorganized mana­ have been in the past whole American com­ enforce the contracts with smaller manage­ gers. In addition, some way must be found panies appearing over-seas. This coming ments or to take strong steps with the to bring into active participation the concert summer, there will be four of them in unorganized managers. Furthermore, it has artists, particularly the instrumentalists, whose Europe, including Ballet Theatre, New York been extremely difficult to galvanize into activities as artists do not impinge upon City Ballet, Paige-Limon Ballet, and Martha action the concert artists as such, particularly other members of AGMA except in their Graham. I will defer further comments on the instrumentalists. Their individual per­ relationship with their managers. this until discussion of this particular subject formances and continuous travelling makes ASCAP Fees takes place during this convention. it almost impossible to bring them together at anyone time and in anyone place for With regard to the concert field, there Conce'rt discussions and joint action. During the is one other problem on which AGMA has Management Contracts past year, AGMA made a strong effort to worked in the past year. You all know of Organization of the concert field has pro­ achieve results in this respect. Over a period AS CAP, which is an organization consisting ceeded apace, but I regret to say not at the of several months, four meetings of instru­ of composers, authors and music publishers, pace that I had hoped for or would like to mentalists were held at Mr. Tibbett's apart­ and which controls the copyrights of the see occur. We have, at this time, contracts ment to explain to them provisions of the compositions of is members. In furtherance with the following companies: AGMA Basic Agreement, to acquaint them of this control, ASCAP licenses the perform­ Jack Adams, Laura Arnold, Century with AGMA's organization and history, and ance of the music of their members. For Artists Limited, Columbia Artists Manage­ to generate a desire on their part to unify several years, ASCAP has attempted to obtain ment Community ,Concert Service, Consoli­ themselves within AGMA and work out fees for the performances of serious music dated Concerts Corporation, G i 0 r g i 0 solutions to their problems as concert artists. that is in their catalogue. Several years ago, D'Andria, James A. Davidson Management, A committee of instrumentalists was formed they proposed fantastically high fees both Inc., Fortune Gallo, Mario Gandolfi, General and met several times. I cannot, in all fair­ for individual concerts at Carnegie Hall, Town Artists Concert Bureau, Inc., Global Artists, ness, report any concrete results or progress Hall, and so forth, as well as recitals by Inc., Lawrence Golden, Inc., Sylvia Hahlo from these meetings. The meetings of this artists on tour. AGMA strenuously opposed Theatrical Agency, Dolores Hayward Con­ committee were attended sparsely, and with these fees, and maintained that the license cert Management, Hans J. Hofmann. Opera large tnrn-overs from meeting to meeting. fee should be borne by the local impresario and Concert Agency, Hurok' Attractions, One activity of this committee, however, or buyer. ASCAP has attempted to do this Inc., International Artists Corp., Max J. was some preliminary work done by Miss in a number of cases, with unfortunate results Jelin, Berenece Kazounoff, Inc., John Knox, Muriel Kerr and myself on the possibility of to th" artists. The local manager would agree W. Colston Leigh, Inc., David Libidins, working out a plan whereby concert artists (Continued on next page) 8 New Board Of Governors Members

The following members of the Board of Governors, due to removal from the area, pressure of business, or absence for long periods from the city, have pro­ ferred their resignation to the Board and their replacements were appointed by the Board: Todd Duncan replaced by Laurence Davidson. Martha Lipton replaced by Winifred Heidt. Elissa Minet replaced by Iva Kitchell. Donald Dame replaced by Richard Tucker. Frances Greer replaced by Regina Resnik. The appointments have been accepted by the above named artists and the Board and the membership will wel­ come their counsel and advice in the deliberutwns of the affairs of AGMA LA WRENCE DAVIDSON in the days ahead. IVA KITCHELL

RICHARD TUCKER WINIFRED HEIDT REGINA RESNICK to pay the ASCAP fee, but in turn to pass case of fees less than $300, only SOc per ing copyright music without pernl1SSlOn or it on completely to the artist, and sometimes concert. payment of a fee. The recent court decisions even more than he had to pay to ASCAP. There have been some questions raised by involving ASCAP have created some prob­ Therefore, to protect the artist against this, individuals as to the advisability on the part lems with regard to this aspect of the plan, AGMA, ASCAP, the concert managers, as of AGMA in agreeing to this arrangement. particularly in so far as non-American com­ well as the local impresarios' organization It should be noted that it was the belief of posers are concerned. If the AGMA member­ worked out an arrangement whereby there the Board and many members that the com­ ship is unhappy with this arrangement, and would be a nominal fee charged for the per­ poser should receive compensation for the seeks modification, it may be possible to formance of ASCAP music, one-half of which use of his music. Further, ASCAP controlled revise some of the provisions of this agree­ would be borne by the artist and one-half by a considerable portion of the copyright ment in view of these court decisions. the local buyer, except in the case of self­ music in the concert repertoire including Choral Groups presented concerts where the artist would both American as well as foreign composers. bear the whole share. The manager in turn Thirdly, the amount of the fees is not at all In the field of professional choral groups, agreed to administer the collection of these excessive, and fourthly, an arrangement is which are here to be distinguished from fees and turn them over to ASCAP. The obviously better than the chaotic condition operatic chorus singers, AGMA has made amount of the fee to the artist is one-half occurring before where managers passed on significant strides. The two leading organiza­ of one percent of the fee earned but in no the fees to the artist or where ASCAP tions in this field, namely the Robert Shaw case more than $10 per concert, and in the threatened suits against artists for perform- ( Continued on page 10) 9 Annual Report Of Executive Secretary

Chorale and the DePaur Infantry Chorus, of legislative help there remains but one that an effort would be made to determine are both operating under AGMA contracts. way to achieve this objective and that is whether the Taft-Hartley Law applies to us. The negotiations in the case of DePaur pre­ through collective bargaining. As a first By several means and in some cases by soft­ sented exceptional difficulties because of its step in this effort and after a number of years pedalling certain aspects of our operations nature and recent origin. However, we made of pressure and insistence, AGMA has ob­ this possibility, with its serious inherent considerable improvements in their working tained an agreement by the Metropolitan consequences, has been avoided. conditions, but more important than that, Opera Association that it would make itself In addition to maintaining its freedom, obtained union recognition and union pro­ subject to the New York State Unemployment AGMA has also tried, in cooperation with tection for them. In the case of the Shaw Insurance Laws, and, when the Federal leg­ other trade unions and members of the 4A's, Chorale, we have recently renewed last year's islation is amended, subject itself to that to achieve the repeal of this legislation. Last contract for another year with several im­ legislation as well_ This is an excellent year when the issue was before Congress the provements. There remains further work to achievement and in this case AGMA at the membership of the AGMA made strong pro­ be done in this field. There are, of course, Met was the first to achieve it and, of course, tests and wrote many letters and participate! in existence other choruses which appear will benefit all employees of the Metropolitan in meetings designed to achieve that pur­ with symphony orchestras and elsewhere. Opera. AGMA will make a similar proposal pose. As you all know, unfortunately. the law These present exceptional difficulties for in the coming negotiations with the popular is still on the books. When the occasion war­ organization because their appearances are price opera companies and the ballet compa­ rants and the issue is again before Congress, sporadic and because they are usually com­ nies. The drive to achieve this objective I you can be sure that AGMA will do its share posed of amateur singers giving their ser­ consider to be of paramount importance. To to remove from the legislative books this blot vices largely for training purposes or for be successful, all of AGMA must unite behind upon American labor legislation. the love of singing_ it. Federal Tax .Laws In summary, I think it would be fair to Elimination 01 say that except for the difficulties and Your Executive Secretary, in conjunction Admissions Tax incompleteness in the organization of the with other 4A's unions and under the aus­ concert managers and the concert artists, On another front, AGMA has worked pices of the International, has spent some AGMA has continued to maintain, and in actively through petitions and letters by its time to achieve a reform in the Federal tax fact has broadened its collective bargaining membership and through the appearance of laws which discriminate against members of scope, and has immeasurably increased the representatives of our International at Con­ the theatrical profession. It would take con­ protections and economic benefits to its mem­ gressional hearings, for the elimination of the siderable time to go into this matter in detail, bers in the fields of their employment. 20% Admissions Tax. This tax is a particu­ but briefly under the present Federal income larly onerous one in the case of non-profit laws an individual pays each year on what Social Security and organizations. By a remarkable coincidence, he earns that year, whereas corporations may Unemployment Benefits it has been shown, for example, that in the have credits and deductions over a period of several years to carryover from good years I would like to turn at this moment to a case of the Metropolitan Opera and the New to bad years. This seemed to us totally unfair, number of other activities pursued by AGMA York Philharmonic Association the amount particularly in the theatrical field, where in the past year and a half for the welfare paid to the Government in Admissions Tax earnings fluctuate tremendously from year vf its membership. Foremost amongst these is equal to the deficit of each of these organi­ to year, and where the total earning span of has been AGMA's attempt to extend to it, zations. It is AGMA's feeling that if the performers is of short duration. The Inter­ members the benefits of the Social Security Federal Government has not at the moment national has engaged tax consultants and Laws which are enjoyed by most Americans. undertaken to aid the musical arts in one specialists to recommend legislation to elimi­ As you all know, Unemployment Insurance form or another, as is prevalent throughout nate this discrimination. Last summer a and Old Age Benefit Laws exempt non-profit the rest of the world, the least that it can do committee of executives as well as perform­ educational institutions from their provisions. is to eliminate this tax for those types of ers, including James Melton and myself from In the case of Unemployment Insurance Laws, organizations. The recent preliminary report AGMA, conferred with officials of the Treas­ employers may in some cases voluntarily of the House Committee indicates a reduction ury Department to urge passage of such undertake to become subject to them. In the in this tax to at least 10%. There is still legislation. Specific legislation has been de­ case of the Old Age Federal Laws, no such some possibility that, in so far as AGMA's ferred until there is a complete revision of possibility exists at the moment. There is type of employers are concerned, the whole the revenue laws. AGMA and the 4A's are pending legislation before the Congress of the 20% may be removed. I urge this convention hopeful that at that time consideration will United States which would broaden the scope to wire the Chairman of the House Ways and be given to our very fair and just proposals. of the Federal laws to cover non-profit organi­ Means Committee and President Truman to zations of the type operating within AGMA's completely eliminate this tax for non-profit Dental and jurisdiction. This legislation would make organizations. Optical Plans coverage mandatory and if passed, which I Talt-Hartley Your Board has also approved a dental believe likely, will bring the AGMA mem­ plan and an optical plan, limited at the bership under its protective wings. Lau' Repeal moment to New York City. Under these plans, In the case of Unemployment Insurance in As a union, AGMA has been most fortunate and in cooperation with a recognized dentist the State of New York, which affects a in being 'able to continue to operate outside and a recognized optician, members of AGMA majority of our members, AGMA, in coopera­ of the scope of the Taft-Hartley Law. There and their families may receive services in tion with the American Federation of Musi­ is no need to dwell on the unfair and anti­ these two very important fields at considerable cians and the Stage Hands Union was union aspects of this law and what serious savings to themselves. The optical plan has instrumental in having introduced and passed problems AGMA would be confronted with been in operation for several weeks and I a bill through the New York State legislature were the law to apply to the employers in am informed that many people have availed to extend the Unemployment Insurance our field. We have very carefully been able themselves of the facilities with excellent coverage to these non-profit organization~. to negotiate and renew our contracts and results. The dental plan at the moment is Unfortunately, even though passed by his maintain our positions without having to still being formulated, and will probably not own legislature, Governor Dewey of New operate under its terms. There have been get into full swing until the fall. York did not approve the bill. In the absence occasional threats by employers and others (Continued on next page) 10 in such expansion. We have been requested by the organizing committee of the National Theatre Assembly to submit whatever reso­ lutions we would like by June 1st. It was the feeling of the Board of Governors that such resolutions should properly come from this convention, and you will therefore note this item on the agenda. The Assembly will be an extremely important event and may very well be the beginning in the United States of a wide problem of Federal assistance to the arts patterned on the plan so success­ fully pursued by England in its British Arts Council Program. Merger of 4A's Unions One of the most important activities of your Secretary and the Board of Governors has been the participation of AGMA in the workings of our International. You will re­ member that at the last convention AGMA approved a plan which had then been worked out between ourselves, AFRA and Actors and Chorus Equity for a merger of these organi­ Conrad Thibault greets Hilda Romain and Francis Barnes. zations. This merger followed an attempt to merge all of the 4A's unions, which un­ Increasi~ Employment dramatic arts, but AGMA's participation fortunately failed. I am unhappy to state In the broad field of increasing employ­ broadened it to cover opera, concert and ballet. that even this partial merger came to naught. ment opportunities for its members, which as It was the first conference of its type, and AGVA, which was then going through the you see is a subject for this convention's c·on­ being of preliminary character devoted itself throes of re-organization, and was not a sideration, AGMA has worked in two direc­ to exploring the problem of ways of achieving part of the original plan, had been invited tions. One internally and one in conjunction increased employment, expansion of the to participate in this new formulation, and with the whole theatrical profession, particu­ theatrical arts, and specifically the support also to become a part of the merging group. larly with the American National Theatre of the Javits Resolntion, which had been For many reasons too complicated to enu­ and Academy (ANTA). The first one involved introduced very shortly before by Congress­ merate here, such cooperation and support two proposals for cooperation with advertising man Javits of New York City. This resolu­ did not come from AGVA. Further, after the agencies in the presentation of a television tion, as you may remember, proposed the Equity representatives on the merger com­ program. Under these plans, these programs calling of a conference by the President of mittee had approved the plan, strong oppo­ would be presented by commercial sponsors the United States to work out concrete plans sition within the Equity Council developed. on television networks, with the official co· and proposals under which the Federal Gov­ As a result, Equity did not support this operation of AGMA and on which, in one ernment would help the performing arts ·in plan, and hence it fell by the wayside. AGMA form or another, members of AGMA would the United States. To this end, the resolution thereupon urged reconsideration of the whole donate their services. In return for such called for an appropriation of $250,000 for problem, but met with very little response. cooperation, AGMA would have obtained this preliminary work and not for the pur­ We have continuously gone on record as specific sums of money to be used for either poses of an actual program. Unfortunately, urging the merger of all 4A's unions or, if its Welfare activities or, in the case of one this resolution has not been reported out of that is not possible, at least some of them. of these plans, for the presentation of operas, committee, and at the moment is probably I am confident that at some point in the ballets, and concert attractions in places not a dead issue. future, the circumstances will be more pro­ normally reached by the commercial pro­ However, following the conference a per­ pitious for the realization of this plan which ducers, such as schools, unions, hospitals, and manent Theatre Committee was set up in is fayored by all, but never seems to be able so forth. Both of these ideas had excellent New York with AGMA's participation, de­ to become a reality. possibilities and if achieved would have signed to carry into being some of the other In line with an attempt to merge and thus enabled AGMA to launch far reaching and suggestions presented at the conference. I strengthen the International and the COlT po­ important programs. Unfortunately, neither of regret to report that although the committee nent unions of the 4A's, an attempt is being these arrangements came into being. Possibly met on many occasions and considerable made to modify the structure of the 4A's, another opportunity will present itself in time and effort was spent by myself and and to amend its constitution to enable the the near future. In any case, this merely high­ others, nothing has been accomplished, other International Board to take stronger and more lights the obvious fact that if some funds than arranging for a National Theatre positive action, and to exert leadership on were made available to AGMA, we could Assembly. behalf of all the 4A's. To that end, it has develop a program of free performances in become necessary to amend the amending non-competetive fields for the greater em­ National Theatre clause of the 4A's constitution which as ployment of our members and for the further Assembly presently contained, makes amendments ex­ development of an audience for the musical This National Theatre Assembly will be tremely difficult. Such amendments have been arts. held in New York City in the first part of drafted and have been approved by several of 1951. It is designed to do what the J avitz the 4A's branches. Final approval, however, ANTA Conference Resolution would have done. In other words, has been stymied by the dispute between the Our activities in connection with ANTA failing Congressional action, ANTA and other eastern 4A's unions and the Screen Guilds began with a three day conference which interested groups are themselves calling such centering around the television problem. After ANTA called approximately a year ago in a conference in order to formulate plans for a solution is found to this dispute and New York City. The original scope of the the expansion of the performing arts and the amicable relationships are once more estab- conference was intended to be limited to the role of the Federal Government may play in (Continued on page 12) II Annual Report Of E'xecutive Secretary lished between all the 4A's unions, I feel English in the traditional form, and that on the agenda of this convention. It is there certain that these amendments will be finally where opera is presented under Broadway because a serious division has occured within approved. The way, therefore, will be open auspices and via Broadway production, that the Authority. As you know, the Authority to revise the 4A's constitution and thereby it is properly within their jurisdiction. AGMA consists of all the 4A's unions, as well as strengthen our International. has countered by denying any such distinc· several theatrical welfare organizations, the tion and contending that we have jurisdiction Authors League, and the League of New Our relationship with our sister unions has York Theatres. Under its rules, no member continuously remained friendly and most over all opera, English or otherwise, and that the operatic form is in continuous develop­ of the 4A's may appear in benefit perform­ cooperative. With the possible exception of ment and cannot be kept in a mold of Wag­ ances without compensation unless such bene­ two instances involving Equity and AGVA ner, Bizet, Puccini or Verdi. At the com· fie performances have been cleared by and of course, the TvA dispute, differences mittee discussions I urged this general Theatre Authority. When a performance is have been at all times ironed out in a most principle, and was willing to recommend to approved, Theatre Authority receives a share amicable way. the AGMA Board that since the issue most of the proceeds, which is then divided amongst These two instances involved jurisdictional always centers on musical, technical and all participating organizations of the Author­ disputes between ourselves and Equity and artistic questions, that Equity and AGMA ity. AGMA obtains its share which is placed AGVA. In the first instance, the dispute should be willing to have competent individ· in our Welfare Fund, and is used to help centered around the production of "Regina," uals in the music world, such as critics, indigent and needy AGMA members. which was an operatic version of the famous musicologists, conductors, and so forth, be Recently, AGVA has maintained that too play by Lillian Hellman called "The Little the judges and to make recommendations to many benefits have been approved, and as a Foxes." This opera was written by Marc the International Board. This suggestion was result employment in their field has suffered. Blitzstein, a recognized serious composer, and not accepted by Equity, and at the moment It is their position that many of the per­ presented on Broadway last fall. Prior to we have reached no conclusion to this prob­ formers at benefits are variety actors and its presentation, both AGMA and Equity lem. consequently AGVA has a greater interest and claimed jurisdiction over this production. We, We have had a potential jurisdictional share in the whole problem. This criticism of course, contended that this was an opera dispute with AGVA, but this has not come was found by the Board of Theatre Authority in English and since our charter and our up for consideration by the International to be justifiable and as a result a committee jurisdiction cover opera, we were entitled Borad and to date AGVA has not pressed it. was set up to assist Mr. Corelli, National to cover this production, even though it was The issue has centered around tabloid ver­ Secretary of Theatre Authority, and to make being presented on Broadway. Equity main­ sions of operas presented in motion picture final decisions on this clearance of benefits. tained th~t it was not an opera, and its theatres in conjunction with movies. AGVA, The number of such benefits has been, there· Broadway background, its producer and the which has jurisdiction over presentation fore, greatly reduced. In addition, following manner of its production, they claimed, houses, which mean motion picture houses pressure from AGVA, it received a greater bolstered their case. The problem was com­ where vaudeville is presented in conjunction share in the division of the Theatre Authority's plicated by the fact that the use of the word with the picture, such as the Paramount and revenue. However, AGVA has lately insisted "opera" in connection with the Broadway the Capitol in New York City, has claimed that it have final veto power over all benefits productions is an anathema and is feared by that once there is a picture being shown any· even though the other members of the com· some to alienate the theatre going public. thing else with the bill is in their jurisdic­ mittee approve them. The Board of the As a result, Mr. Blitzstein, I am convinced tion. We have denied it and all productions Authority obviously was not able to go along against his own better judgement, and against around New York City of this type have been with this proposal, and has rejected it. As a subsequent statements made after the opera under AGMA's jurisdiction and AGMA con­ result, AGVA has withdrawn from Theatre closed, would not state that this was an tracts. Authority. This has created innumerable dif­ opera. In spite of our strong objections, when ficulties since organizations giving benefits Bela Bartok the issue was presented to the International now must receive clearance from both Theatre Memorial Board of the 4A's, which has final power to Authority and AGVA. Furthermore, many per­ determine jurisdictional disputes, the Board, Another of AGMA's efforts is most worthy formers are members of several of the 4A's by a small margin, decided in favor of Actors of note. At the suggestion of Yehudi Menuhin unions and, therefore, find themselves unable Equity. and Erno Balogh, AGMA has undertaken to to obey conflicting decisions. AGMA has It was apparent, however, to all that this spearhead the formation of a committee of supported Theatre Authority's position because is an extremely complicated problem, and prominent musicians, composers, publishers we feel that this is the only way to regulate that the standards and guides set up at the and conductors to establish a memorial fund benefits and prevent abuses. AGVA's position time AGMA received its charter which dif· to honor the memory of Bela Bartok. The has led to many difficulties and from a prac· ferentiated between opera and other musical response to AGMA's invitation has been tical point of view has netted AGVA less types of productions no longer were perti· exceptionally favorable, and an initial meet· money than under the previous set up. You nent. AGMA has claimed and continues to ing of this committee was held two weeks will have further opportunities to discuss this maintain that the art form of opera is develop­ ago. The concrete activities and drive of the matter in greater detail. ing in a new direction and that the standard committee will begin in all earnestness in Amendments forms are no longer true guides. As a result, the fall. This type of activity carries out the a committee of working members from all guild idea inherent in AGMA as conceived to Constitution branches of the 4A's was set up by the Inter­ by the original founders of our union. AGMA The 1949 AGMA convention proposed a national Board to go into this whole problem should become the leading force in the series of constitutional amendments, most of and draft a series of recommendations to musical world in the United States through which were of a technical nature, to remedy enable Equity and ourselves to settle these the initiation and sponsorship of programs some flaws which became apparent with disputes in the future. This committee has and projects of this type. We must broaden experience after the constitution was adopted, met upon several occasions, but because of and expand our energies in this type of work. and these involved petitions, nominations, personnel difficulties, and because of serious elections, and several other similar points. Theatre Authority fundamental differences, has come to naught. Most important, an amendment was proposed Equity has maintained that AGMA has juris· Our activities in conjunction with other to shift the date of the convention from diction over opera in the original language unions has included our continued partici­ January to June, in the hope that greater (in this case meaning foreign) and opera in pation in Theatre Authority, a special point (Continued on next page) 12 attendance could result from a summer rather in principle by all the branches, and at sub­ I will leave it to Mr. Heller to bring this than a winter convention. Our experience at sequent meetings, and through the workings history up to date for your benefit. I would this convention will indicate the wisdom of of an enlarged committee, it was finally like to note, however, that while these efforts this decision, Proposals of the convention evolved into a full fledged Television Author­ were going on, AGMA, wherever it could, were approved by the Board and sent out for ity setup. In the formulation of this plan, all made every effort to protect its membership referendum to the membership, which over­ the 4A's unions with the exception of the in the field of TV. Thus, for example, the whelmingly approved all of them. Screen Guilds participated, and were made Metropolitan Opera telecasts of the opening Another resolution of the convention called a part of it. The West Coast Guilds refused nights were made under an AGMA contract, for the establishment of a committee to go to come in for many reasons, which do not and compensation paid to all AGMA members. into the whole matter of choral employment require discussion at the moment. However, The rates were good, and established a prece­ and choral restrictions. Such a committee they were invited and provision was made in dent for others to follow. Similarly, Ballet was appointed by the Board and spent con­ the TvA agreement for some joint arrange­ Theatre was telecast several times in New siderable time investigating the problem of ment to be worked out between TvA and the York and the dancers received good mini­ unemployment amongst the choristers. The Screen Guilds. Last summer, a committee rep­ mum wages as well as pay for all rehearsals. committee found that approximately one-half resenting the eastern unions went to the In addition, scales were worked out for the of the "A" choristers had no continuous em­ West Coast and spent considerable time and telecasting of the City Center Opera as well ployment and that approximately one-third effort to achieve such an arrangement. These as the Stadium Concerts, both of which, how­ of the "B" choristers were in a similar POSI­ conferences failed. The Screen Guilds there­ ever, never took place. Obviously, these were tion. It made recommendations, the most im­ after came east and further conferences were limited efforts, and could not help the broad portant of which was that the "B" membership held which again failed. membership or those who were appearing in be limited to a maximum of two years within By this time, it was no longer possible for TV as individuals, and not as members of which time the "B" choristers would have to further delay. The TV field had mushroomed. companies with whom we had collective bar­ take the "A" audition; that a ~chool be Many members were employed under extreme­ gaining agreements. established under AGMA's auspices to aid ly unfavorable conditions and extremely low Future Endeavors "B" members to become "A" members. This wages. Therefore, TvA was set up with the report was discussed by the Board at a approval of the International Board, with This completes those sections of my report subsequent meeting, and adopted with several an understanding, that pending further efforts detailing the accomplishments of our union changes, particularly a provision making the to arrive at a partnership with the Screen in the past year and a half. There remains limitation of two years "B" membership a Guilds, TvA would not negotiate nor would a large amount of work to be done both matter of further action and discretion with the final claim to jurisdiction be decided by internally and externally. Not only should you the Board of Governors. the International Board. TvA was success­ know what has been done but also what has With regard to the school, a sub-committee fully launched and AGMA, as did the other not been done, and what must be done. I sent out a questionnaire to all "B" members eastern unions, appointed ten members to have already referred to the lack of sufficient inquiring whether they would be willing to sit on the National Board of TvA. A Western progress in the organization of the concert pay part of the expenses of such school. The and Central Section of this TvA Board was instrumentalists and the concert field general­ response to the questionnaire was fairly good, formed with AGMA representation. Member­ ly. I have also referred to the difficulties en­ and indicated that most would. I investigated ship committees and meetings were held countered in administering and enforcing cer­ the possibility of having such a school under throughout the country to formulate the tain contracts in the popular price opera field. the auspices of the American Theatre Wing, proposals for negotiations. When this was There is further a major difficulty which has but found that the expense would be too completed and there still being no agree­ prevented our union from accomplishing more great. Of late, I have been working out a ment with the Screen Guilds, no further delay in the past and which, unless eliminated, will plan with the Vocational Training Depart­ was possible. The issue was therefore brought hamper further growth. It would be short­ ment of the N ew York City Board of Edu­ to the International Board and by majority sighted for all of us to look back upon the cation. This plan would set up, with AGMA's vote jurisdiction over all TV, including live as past years and enjoy the remarkable progress cooperation and sponsorship, courses in New well as film, was awarded to TvA. (Continued on page 14) York City as part of the vocational training program of the city, with no cost to the choristers. There is a very good possibility that these courses will take place as soon as several technical difficulties and the Board of Education rules can be met. TvA Problems A good portion of my time, as well as that of the Board's and the membership, has been spent in the past year on the problem of television. This, too, is a special item on the agenda, and you will hear a talk on this whole problem by George Hellcr, the National Secretary of Television Authority. I will not go into detail since I am sure that Mr. Heller's talk will cover the matter very thoroughly. However, a brief resume is in order. At the beginning of 1949, after merger had failed and the solution to the cross jurisdictional claims over TV seemed not to be in that direction, the President of the 4A's, Paul Dulzell, ap­ pointed a committee called the President's Committee, consisting of the Presidents of the 4A's branches, and other working mem­ bers, to seek a solution for joint action solely Joe Tessmer tunes up delegates Genevieve Rowe, Margaret Speaks, Muriel Rahn, and for TV. This committee's report was approved Dr. Sachse. 13 Annual Report Of Executive Secretary

and relax in any further efforts to enlarge staff has an enormous task to do. I do not convention, therefore, should devote con­ upon these achievements. As I have said to think that members realize the amount of time siderlible thought to this problem, and means the membership on many occasions, AGMA, it takes merely to send out one mailing. When should be devised to bring about greater acti­ like many other organizations, having achieved the routine duties are coupled with extraor­ vization of our fellow members. great success, may tend to level off its growth. dinary problems such as referendums, elec· Such levelling off can turn into deterioration tions, conventions, questionnairts, and reo Plans for unless continuously bolstered by further ef­ search, the total amount of work becomes Next Year forts and greater activities by the organiza­ stupendous for a staff of this size. There were In the next year I, therefore, believe that tion as a whole and by every individual mem­ literally dozens of things that might have been our efforts should be centered on the follow­ ber. The tendency develops in most members, done and should have been done last year ing program: especially the new ones, to sit. back and which were not done because there was no (l) Organization of the concert instru­ enjoy the fruits of past labors without making time, facilities, or personnel. In all frank­ mentalists and the concert field; any efforts to build further upon the basis ness, I say to you, and knowing, of course, (2) Greater membership participation and handed to them by their predecessors. that it is financially imposoible for us at activity; Membership this time to increabe our staff, that if we (3) Education of the present and poten­ Participation are going to do additional things or under­ tial membership; take other programs of activity, as we should, (4) Obtaining of unemployment and social One of the great difficulties has been lack we need your help and there will have to be security coverage for our members; of membership participation on the part of greater membership participation. Committees (5) Bringing to our members other social many individuals and particularly in the of members must undertake to do many more benefits, such as hospitalization, retirement ranks of the principals. This criticism applies things than members have done in the past. plans, and an expanding welfare program; not only to the concert instrumentalists, but (6) A stricter and more comprehensive en­ Education of Present the solo singers as a whole. By various means forcement policy of provisions of our collective your Officers and governing board have tried and Potential Members bargaining contracts; to democratize this union and to draw into Let us now consider the matter of educa­ (7) Expanding the employment opportuni­ membership participation to the fullest possi­ tion of our present as well as potential mem­ ties for all our members; ble extent, the whole of the membership. The bers. This is an absolute must which has been (8) Increasing the number of projects, not constitution has been completely revised. The delayed for several years and I know has been directly of an economic nature, which are number of meetings of companies and of referred to at the previous convention. We designed to further the cause of music and special committees has increased many fold, need literature for distribution; we need a to expand the role of AGMA in the musical AGMA has drawn into activity many members booklet of rules for new as well as old mem­ world of the United States. and the executive committees outside of New bers; we need a larger AGMAZINE appearing After negotIatIons are completed this York. A convention is being held yearly and more frequently; we need to go out amongst summer, we will be in an excellent position a paper is published at regular intervals. All the schools and studios to bring the know­ in terms of collective bargaining contracts. these give ample scope and opportunity to ledge of the benefits and protection of AGMA Therefore, the next year should enable us to every member to know what is going on and to the future membership. This cannot be realize the program which I have recom­ to take an active part. In spite of all our done unless the work of the staff is supple­ mended. When we have achieved it, we will efforts, membership participation has not been mented by the work of members. I know that have made AGMA a strong force for the as wide as I had hoped for. There is also you, and a small group besides yourselves, protection of our members and for the good a lack of familiarity on the part of many spend as much time as you can in the acti­ of the musical arts. I am confident that we members with our rules, regulations and con­ vities of your union. But to this handful we can do it. All we need is a will, more helping tract provisions. The non·participation leads must add a much larger group of additional hands, and a firm belief that only through to difficulties in negotiation and contract ad­ members who can help us to do these many unity, and through AGMA, can these objec· ministration, and the lack of familiarity leads other things I have just enumerated. This tives be obtained. to economic disadvantages to the individual member. It also must be noted that the administra· tive staff of AGMA is small in scope. We are Meet AGMA's New Treasurer a national union with a small membership, but with far flung activities. Outside of New After many years of loyal and self­ York City, our representation is on a part less service as the Treasurer of AGMA, time basis. In New York City, we have a staff of three executives and four secretaries. Mr. Frede~ick lagel has sent in his res­ I want to pay tribute and say thanks to each ignation which was accepted with ex­ of them for their great loyalty, devotion and treme regret by the AGMA Board of hard work for AGMA. This staff of seven administers national affairs as well as the Governors, with an expression of sin­ local New York problems. This work includes cere appreciation for his unswerving negotiation, administration and enforcement service to AGMA and a wi.~h for success of contracts, collection of claims, work with committees, work with organizations withiu in the ilCW field of hi" endeavor. the 4A's and outside of the 4A's, editing and The Board of Governors has publishing AGMAZINE, administration of the theref<"~ funds, collection of dues, issuing of state­ appointed Donald Dame to fill this vac­ ments, answering of hundreds of letters, and ancy. We appreciate the acceptance of an employment agency in the case of cer­ this added responsibility by Mr. Dame tain groups of choristers. Your three execu­ tives at the New York office are each respons­ and assure him our cooperation in the ible for many of these duties. The secretarial DONALD DAME fulfillment of his duties. 14 Bela Bartok Memorial N. Y. Area Membership Meeting Since the death of Bela Bartok, his Organizing Committee many friends have become interested in Erno Balogh A membership meeting of the New Betty Bean establishing a fitting memorial to his York area was called for October 23, genius in the field of music. Hy Faine David Hall 1950 at the Hotel Claridge. Due to less Two of his friends, Erno Balogh and Publication Committee than the required number to make up a Yehudi Menuhin, both AGMA members, Betty Bean quorum as permitted by the AGMA appealed to AGMA for support and the Dr. Gombosi Board of Governors approved of such a Dr. Herzog Constitution, this meeting was ad­ plan and pledged the cooperation of Dr. Smith journed. AGMA toward the accomplishment of Fund Raising Committee The failure of our membership to at­ this purpose. Muriel Frances The first meeting of the Bartok Me­ A. Walter Kramer tend such a meeting presents an intoler­ able situation for the Guild. In order to morial Executive Committee was held at The following tentative Board of Di­ the offices of AGMA on June 7th, 1950. rectors had been appointed pending up­ achieve the best of contracts and condi­ The purposes of the Memorial were on the acceptance of their appointments tions for AGMA members, it is the ob­ discussed as to what form it would take, by the various members. ligation of each member to attend these by what means money could be raised Fred Ahlert, Erno Balogh, Peter Bartok, membership meetings. This does not be­ to accomplish the purposes. Betty Bean, Wilhelmine Creel, Aaron Cop· come the obligation of one segment or The Executive Committee is made up land, David Diamond, Amtal Dorati, Olin Downes, Hyman R. Faine, Milton Feist, category of our membership but is the of the following individuals: Otto Gombosi, Laszlo Halasz, David Hall, Fred Ahlert, Erno Balogh, Peter Bartok, George Herzog, A. Walter Kramer, Yehudi, obligation of each individual member Betty R. Bean, Aaron Copland, Wilhel­ Menuhin,' Douglas Moore, Fritz Reiner, of all the various categories. mine Creel, David Diamond, Antal Dorati, Gyorgy Sandor, Harold Schonberg, Wil· Olin Downes, Hyman R. Faine, Milton liam Schumann, Tibor Serly, Carlton Not only is your union financially Feist, Otto Gombosi, Laszlo Halasz, David Sprague Smith, Tassy Spivakovsky, Halsey responsible for the costs of hiring a Hall, A. Walter Kramer, Yehudi Menuhin, Stevens, Joseph Szigeti, Imre Waldbauer. Douglas Moore" Fritz Reiner, Harold meeting place; printing announcements It was proposed that a letter be sent Schonberg, William Schuman, Tibor Serly, of such a meeting, and the agenda for Carlton Sprague Smith, Joseph Szigeti. to artists, informing of Mr. Menuhin's discussion; plus the postage for mailing After discussion of the various plans pledge to give one concert this season that the Memorial might take, the first for the benefit of the Bartok Memorial the notices first class, but also the im­ project was agreed to be the publication Committee, and inviting them to do the portant items on an agenda which have of Mr. Bartok's unpublished works. same. to be submitted to the membership for Mr. Hall, the temporary Chairman of a democratic discussion leading to the this meeting, appointed Miss Betty Bean, setting up of union policies. Mr. Carleton S. Smith and himself to Board Appoints The Board of Governors has been explore this project. advised of this situation and ~uggestions The second meeting was held on Tues­ Committees for enforcing attendance by the impo­ day afternoon, September 26th at the sition of fines or the like have been sub­ AGMA office. There was a report made The Board of Governors has appoint­ mitted for consideration. There are al­ of what progress had been made during ed the following AGMA members to ways legitimate reasons for non-attend­ the summer months. Further plans for serve on the committees listed below: ance but from the response to this latest implementing the publication of the folk call,. which was arranged at a time song books, and of securing access to 1. Chorus Auditions: Edith House-Chorister when the membership would be in the the Bartok material left deposited in a Betty Stone-Chorister city, it appears that the absences were bank vault. Jules Sassani-Chorister more of neglect or lack of interest than The third meeting was held on Octo­ Felix Knight-Soloist for any legitimate excuse. ber 20th at the AGMA office. Mr. Menu­ Dr. Leopold Sachse-Stage Director hin was present at this meeting and vol­ 2. Merger with Actors Equity Ass'n: Each member of AGMA should ask himself whether he wishes AGMA to be unteered to give one concert this season James Pease-Soloist for the benefit of, the Bartok Memorial Donald Dame-Soloist a strong union covering terms and con­ Committee. Dr. Herzog and Dr. Gom­ Leopold Sachse-Stage Director ditions for employment so as to sit at bosi indicated their interest in the edit­ Ruthanna Boris-Dancer the bargaining table with producers Maurice Kostroff-Chorister backed by a united membership, in order ing of the Bartok books and the follow­ Jules Sassani-Chorister ing committees were appointed: to achieve the best possible terms for the Alternates: employment and working conditions for Artists Committee Conrad Thibault-Soloist all. Antal Dorati Alexis Dolinoff-Dancer Yehudi Menuhin There can only be an affirmative an­ Joseph Szigeti 3. Classification of Roles for Popular swer to this question and the only way Price Opera Companies: to show that this is your wish is to make Composers Committee Astrid Varnay-Soloist David Diamond Maurice Kostroff-Chorister your presence actual in all AGMA meet­ Tibor Serly Jules Sassani-Chorister ings. 15 Day-By-Day Diary Of 3rd Annual Convention

FIRST SESSION land, Philadelphia, Emogene Cornwell, THIRD SESSION Friday Morning, june 16th San Francisco. Friday Evening, june 16th The third annual convention held at Chaired by Vice President Thibault the Hotel Lincoln, N.Y.C., was called to SECOND SESSION in the absence of Mr. Backgren, Alexis Friday Afternoon, june 16th order by Mr. Conrad Thibault, 1st Vice Dolinoff was appointed Sergeant-at­ President of the Guild. Mr. Thibault wel­ Conrad Thibault called the session to Arms. This session was devoted further comed the delegates and read a wire order at 2:30 P.M. to discussion of the dues question. It was from Mr. Lawrence Tibbett, President, Mr. Hyman R. Faine, National Exec­ recommended by motion that the AGMA who sent his regrets to the delegates, utive Secretary presented his annual re­ Board explore the possibility of what being on a South American tour at the port to the delegates (The text of Mr. deductions of railroad fares, commis­ time of the convention. Faine's report is printed elsewhere in sions and accompanist fees and such Miss Edith House and Mr. Arthur this issue). The delegates unanimously costs could be allowed before reporting Backgren were appointed Convention agreed at the convention that this report annual income to AGMA. Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms, respec­ should be read by every AGMA member There then followed a discussion of tively. and passed a motion urging its distribu­ the annual Christmas Concert. The con­ The agenda for the convention was ap­ tion in its entirety by some means. The cert was impossible to arrange this past proved and adopted for the convention Board of Governors later approved plac­ year. It was the aim of the concert com­ meetings. ing the report in this issue of AGMA­ mittee to plan this concert of the highest A motion was carried to appoint a ZINE. artistic standards to draw out a large committee to meet with the press to Miss Lucy Brown then discussed the audience and make it a great success. cover releases of news at end of each organization of the concert field and The 1949 Xmas party, though success­ 5 :30 P.M. session. instrumentalists.' She suggested briefing ful, had been too long, due to a large A Credentials Committee was appoint­ graduates of Music Schools of the value number of participating artists. It was ed, composed of Muriel Rahn, George of belonging to AGMA and also the set­ the plan last season to get fewer artists Southern, and Joseph Tessmer. ting up of a committee of instrumental­ but of large drawing power, but unfor­ A Resolutions Committee consisting ists to re-study the problems of increas­ tunately artists of such caliber were un­ of Margaret Speaks, May Savage, Hilda ing AGMA membership in this field so available at Xmas time and similarly at Romain, Maurice Kostroff, Ruthanna as to provide added strength to their the later proposed date in April. In view Boris, Leopold Sachse and Warren Hol­ own bargaining position and also to of the impossibiilty to arrange a concert land were elected by the delegates. AGMA as a union representing all mu­ during the past year for AGMA's Wel­ Louis D'Angelo, Emogene Cornwell, sical artists. fare Fund, any plans for the annual and Carroll Taussig were appointed to Miss Anne Kubiak of Pittsburgh, Xmas party will have to be assumed by serve as the Tellers Committee. while not a delegate, had been invited a Committee pledged to put their shoul­ Mr. Faine reported that an invited to come to the convention to present the der to the wheel in order to "swing" guest, Helen Gahagen Douglas, Con­ local dues problems of the Pittsburgh such a prospect successfully. gresswoman from California, had sent choristers. It was recommended to the It was proposed that every opera com­ regrets to the Board and the delegates Board of Governors that any lowering pany in the U.S. which is playing a sea­ that duties in Washington prevented her of the dues structure would have to ap­ son of considerable length, arrange to coming to address the Convention. ply to the complete membership and give one performance for the benefit of Financial Secretary, Bernard W. Zue­ would greatly reduce the needed revenue the AGMA Welfare Fund. Areas other bert, in the absence of Treasurer Fred­ to maintain the AGMA budget. Prior to than N.Y. might arrange a concert or a erick J agel, submitted a summary of the unionization of the choristers in party to raise money for AGMA's Wel­ AGMA's annual financial report. Chair­ Pittsburgh in AGMA, they had received fare Fund. A ballet delegate proposed man Thibault then presented His Honor, no remuneration for their services in the that ballet soloists and corps arrange a William O'Dwyer, then Mayor of New opera performances as well as the fact benefit performance. Miss Romain and York City, to the Convention. that the choristers were also largely Mr. Barnes of Los Angeles pledged that Mayor O'Dwyer welcomed the dele­ otherewise employed, therefore the dues they would urge their local to arrange gates to New York City and praised could not be reduced to accommodate an affair to enrich the benefit fund of AGMA efforts and value to the commu­ the membership of this area. AGMA's AGMA by at least $500. Mr. Winteler nity. At the close of the Mayor's speech, costs of carrying their members is based of New Orleans then pledged that his the Convention was led at the piano by upon the dues scale in operation and area would do likewise. The Chicago Erno Balogh in singing the National AGMA's strength to fight for its mem­ delegation reported work already in Anthem. bership for better contracts and widen progress along this same line. Howard M. Laramy, Assistant to Ex­ the field of opportunity is predicated on Retirement Plan for Dancers ecutive Secretary, gave his report to the these sources of income. The rewards to Our membership are not covered by Convention upon the publication of the members of AGMA outweigh the unemployment insurance and also old AGMAZINE. pleas for reduced dues rates. age benefits do not start until a person Reports from the areas outside New It was resolved that the Board con­ is 65 (men) and 60 (women). This York were given by Miss Hilda Ro­ sider a proposal that persons working would naturally prove to be of little aid maine, Los Angeles (report printed else­ with companies under AGMA jurisdic­ to dancers who usually remain active where in this same issue) , Glenna tion should be granted no more than until the age of 40. The AGMA Board O'Toole, Chicago, Arthur Winteler, New three working permits before having had appointed a committee of ballet Orleans, Paul Chalfin and Warren HoI- to join AGMA. (Continued on next page) 16 tion for principals and those scales al­ ready in existence were approved. The increase of $5 per week for the chorus and ballet was approved as recommend­ ed. The various recommendations for small theatres, summer stock, outdoor performances and performances in mo­ tion picture houses and colleges was ap­ proved. The recommendation for the Broadway type of opera performance was referred back to the Board for fur­ ther study. The Board later approved all the minor points including the increase to the ballet and chorus and all other recommendations were tabled for fur­ ther discussions. Mr. George Heller, National Execu­ tive Secretary of TvA, then addressed the Convention upon the problems faced by TvA in setting up this new organi­ zation since the authorization by the 2nd annual convention of AGMA's approval Ballet Dancers Confer. Peter Gladke, Iva Kitchell, Ruthanna Boris, julia Baraskova, of setting up TvA. The problem of work­ Elissa Minet, Rohert Lindgren and Alexis Dolinoff. ing out an agreement with Screen Ex­ tras Guild and Screen Actors Guild who dancers to meet and discuss this prob­ all dancers, at a time when the greatest do not recognize the need of such an lem and formulate some plan of a retire­ number of dance members can attend, authority and claim that they have juris­ ment fund. This plan was presented to a and the decision on this plan by this diction of all motion pictures and will membership meeting which approved it meeting could then be final. not surrender any of their rights even in principle. The employer of ballet FOURTH SESSION if the media is a part of television field. would have to consent to a plan to con­ Saturday Morning, june 17th It was the approved plan by all the tribute 5% of the salaries of the dancer Mr. Thibault called the session to other 4 A's in negotiations with televi­ to a fund to which the ballet dancer order at 10 A.M. The delegates discussed sion producers and advertisers begun would contribute 3% of his earnings. Popular Price Opera which were defined May 2nd, that certain minimum rates These funds to be deposited in an ac­ as companies which had an admission for live programs, kinescope or film tele­ count in a bank in the name of the price no higher than $3 per ticket. It is casts should be set. The S.A.G. and dancer, no matter which employer he proposed that an opera company having S.E.G. object to this pattern and pro­ works for. a higher admission scale, an increase pose to apply roles for regular motion 1. The dancer leaving the field before 5 of 20% should be added to all minimum pictures. This presents a very compli­ years under AGMA's jurisdiction, rates. cated problem and allows the producer would not be able to touch this money. Mr. Faine reviewed for the delegates to choose which rate he can save on. 2. If the dancer leaves after 5 years up the report of the Committee on Wages This makes for chaos. Mr. Heller again to 10 years, they can take their own and Working conditions, which had pointed out the need for an overall un­ share or the amount they had put into been appointed by the Board to study ion, and showed the confusion faced by such a fund, plus the interest accrued. the popular price opera field. This com­ TvA in which performers in all the en­ 3. If the dancer leaves after the 10 year mitee was composed of Walter Brandin, tertainment unions will be engaged. period up to 15 years they would get Lewis Brook, Lawrence Davidson, Lydia S.A.G. sent wires to network compan­ their own share and the interest ac­ Edwards, Matthew Farruggio, Joseph ies and advertising agencies that TvA crued of the employer's share. Hancock, Howard Hoskins, Edith House, was only authorized to negotiate for live 4. If they leave the field after 15 years Lee Keeney, Maurice Kostroff, Irving entertainers but TvA was not recognized up to 20, they get their share, plus Lavitz, Arthur Newman, Mary Pasca, for film performers. TvA has always interest, and one-half the employer's L. Ruess, Leopold Sachse, Carroll Taus­ wished to work out an arrangement with share. If they stay through 20 years, sig, Hugh Thompson, and Richard S.A.G. What is good for 5 branches of they get both and the interest accrued. Wentworth. This committee had met the 4A unions should be good enough In case of death, the money would many times and discussed all the prob­ for the Screen Guilds and they should go to the estate of the deceased. lems and submitted 21 proposals for the take their "spot" and work together to . This fund would be administered by delegates of the convention to consider. help all performers in television. the bank and supervised by the Commit­ The delegates voted to reject any tee consisting of a company representa­ changes in the chorus regulations as far FIFTH SESSION tive from each of the companies under as employment rules are concerned as Saturday Afternoon, june 17th the plan, a dancer's representative, one proposed in the report. Recommenda­ May Savage was nominated and elect­ for AGMA and one for the dancers tions of the Committee to eliminate the ed to be Chairman of this meeting. The themselves, and one impartial person. It present classification of roles and voices report of Wages and Working Condi­ was moved that the convention accept for companies presenting operas by the tions in the Popular Opera field was dis­ the proposal already approved by the week was rejected. The committee did cussed. Board, and the Board call a meeting of not propose any changes in compensa- (Continued on page 18) 17 Day-By-Day Diary Of 3rd Annual Convention Federal Aid to Art citizenship in America. A committee al­ expressed willingness to give such per­ Mr. Faine briefed the Convention ready is working on the problem as a formances but due to unavailability of delegates about the National Theatre result of the special membership meet­ theatre, this permission will await later Assembly to be held early in 1951 and ing held in the N.Y. area. This involves developments. suggested the Convention act upon sug­ largely instrumentalists and concert Moved and passed that the Board of gestions which AGMA would like to see singers being brought to U.S. and per­ Governors explore further steps to be on the agenda for discussion of this as­ haps operate unfairly in competition submitted to the 4A's Board to clear up sembly. Participation in the assembly with the American artist. We do have the situation in Theatre Authority. by AGMA already had been approved American artists working abroad in It was resolved and approved that by Board of Governors. The Convention companies or individually. Mr. Sachse "Whereas, the Mayor of the City of moved that AGMA endorse participation urged that AGMA promote the idea of New York has expressed time and again and that the delegates report this action performing opera in English in U.S. as his interest and affection for the arts, to their local membership which would one way to solve the problem. and his feeling that the members of appoint committees to study the prob­ SEVENTH SESSION AGMA represent an important cultural lem of Federal Aid to the arts, and that Sunday Morning, June 18th element in the life of our communities, these local committees be sent any lit­ Called to order by Conrad Thibault. as well as in the life of the U.S., that we erature from the N.Y. office pertaining AGMA Convention expresses a vote of request him to meet with a committee to this subject and give a report by Dec­ confidence to all the procedures and ac­ appointed by AGMA Board of Governors ember 1st to the N.Y. office of their sug­ tion taken by TvA. It was recommended to look into ways of making such affec­ gestions for submission as subjects for to the Board that a committee of three tion and love for the arts a practical the agenda. be appointed to serve as an editorial mode of supplying (a) entertainment SIXTH SESSION committee to assist in the publication and culture for the people and (b) em­ Saturday Evening, June 17th and expansion of AGMAZINE and that ployment for the members of AGMA J ames Pease, 2nd Vice President, a delegate be selected by each of the and (c) that the results of such a con­ chaired this session. The subject of the locals outside of N.Y. to keep in touch ference be made available to the mem­ organization of the Concert field and ar­ with the N.Y. Editorial Committee. bership." tists was the topic for discussion. All The Board of Governors formulate After expressions of thanks to the concert artists are properly within rules under which members of AGMA various committees who had served the AGMA jurisdiction. Those under man­ would be forbidden, upon pain of dis­ delegates of this Convention, the site agements with whom AGMA has agree­ ciplinary action, to receive compensa­ of the next Convention was set to be held ments are organized under AGMA con­ tion or gratuities from any other AGMA in New York City in June, 1951, and the ditions but the largest number of concert member for obtaining jobs for mem­ Convention was adjourned at 5:15 P.M. artists are without managers or with bers, and forbidding any members to managers who do not operate under act as agents for impressarios. OBITUARY AGMA conditions. It is in this field that EIGHTH SESSION GIUSEPPI DE LUCA AGMA should strive to achieve benefits Sunday afternoon June 18th Soloist for these artists and draw them into ARNOLD GABOR Conrad Thibault presiding. This ses­ Soloist our organization. AGMA members sion continued discussing Ways of In­ CEDRIC HART would be happy to take a stand against creasing Employment within AGMA's Representative non-AGMA managers but must have jurisdiction. Resolutions were then sub­ CONSTANTE SORVINO assurance that should they be dropped Soloist mitted. RINA VOLPI by these managers who did not wish to Mr. Kostroff proposed that the Board (KATHERINE FUCHS) deal with AGMA as a result of this stand, institute a plan that a general meeting Soloist would other AGMA managers be able in each area, for organization of coop­ The above members of AGMA have to employ such artists. The delegates erative performances be held and efforts passed away since the date of our last moved to appoint a committee to work be made toward getting local backing issue and AGMA wishes to now offer out a program to cover this problem of for opera performances. There should be its condolences and sympathy to the getting management organized. Mr. exploration of available theatres, cos­ relatives of the artists. The contribution Pease appointed the following commit­ tumes and props; and how to make use to the cultural life of country and to the tee: of these assets. Also, that a Committee wOlld, and their loyalty to" this Guild Mr. Balogh, Margaret Speaks, Genevieve work with the Chicago area to enlist was of the highest form. Rowe, Carlton Gauld, to work with the support of civic leaders, Musicians Un­ Our Los Angeles chapter and the Executive Secretary on the question of ion, and civic groups to bring to the New York office was shocked and sad­ getting work for the smaller concert ar­ citizens of Chicago a fuller appreciation dened by the passing of our representa­ tist working in his own locality. The of needs for opera and increase employ­ tive Cedric Hart, whose association with convention approved a motion to ap­ ment for all artists. AGMA achieved a great deal for our point a committee to explore the possi" It is the sense of the Convention that members in the area and whose busi­ bilities of getting dates for such poten­ it endorses a plan whereby each regu­ ness relations with the local and national tial members. Miss Rahn and Miss Iva larly established opera, ballet and choral artists as well as the local producers was Kitchell were appointed. group give one benefit performance outstanding. AGMA will miss Mr. Hart Foreign Artists Issue within each of their seasons for the in the days ahead but we will cherish It was designated by the delegates AGMA Welfare Fund. Passed. Approved the memory of his loyal service to our that a foreign artist be one who has no by Board of Governors. Produce.rs have members. 18 regional actIVIties. Since taking office Report From Los Angeles four months ago, I have also made a number of addresses throughout the re­ By CEDRIC HART gion and have, I believe, made many There is a remarkable growth of op- cert auditorium. The present state of in­ new friends for our organization. eratic activity throughout the Southern ternational affairs has made it necessary It is at Los Angeles City College California region. Much of this expan- ~o postpone plans for a Bond Issue for sion is based on productions by new and the project on an early municipal ballot. that, several months ago, our Exec­ small but nevertheless enterprising and However, we are in close contact with utive Committee established an op­ ambitious organizations. In the larger the Greater Los Angeles Plans office, eratic chorus repertory class, through category, there is the Los Angeles Coun- and when that organization is ready to the cooperation of the Los Angeles Pub­ ty-subsidized Guild Opera Company and begin a public campaign, our Committee lic School System. There, for a very the Hollywood Bowl Opera. The latter and local membership will cooperate in modest enrollment fee, one may join the organization imports "name stars," several tangible respects. At a recent splendid class, which also is under Dr. while the Guild Opera uses local talent Membership Meeting, the project was Strelitzer's direction. in road show productions each spring. wholeheartedly endorsed. AGMA, as a This class had been of great benefit The smaller companies and groups in- national organization, also has endorsed in helping us to build what newspaper clude some splendid scholastic produc- the enterprise. These significant actions critics and musical authorities term to ing units, one of which, the Los Angeles have brought a fine and enthusiastic ex­ be one of the outstanding choruses in Conservatory of Music and Arts, is suc- pression of gratitude from Ray W. America. Many ot these exceptional cessfully pioneering road show presenta- Smith, Executive Vice President of the AGMA choristers were in the recent tions at one dollar, plus tax, top admis- Plans group. Hollywood Bowl presentation of "Faust" sion. This unit is headed by Glynn Ross, An AGlVlA library of scores, music, and were widely acclaimed. Sixty-seven one of our AGMA stage directors. recordings, memorabilia, etc., is under of them will be heard in the presentation The Executive Committee is doing a way. Such items are to be contributed to there at Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. splendid job. Every activity comes under it. The first donation, a score of "Lohen­ So enthusiastic has been the reception its scrutiny. A new policy in its meetings grin" was given to us by the widow of given our choristers that we have now is to invite a producer or manager to the Lodovico Tomarchio, a former leading named the group the "Los Angeles Op­ first portion of the meeting during tenor of the San Carlo and other com­ era and Concen Chorus." The Beetho­ which he addresses the Committee, tells panies. Chorister Violet Kaufman has ven event marks the chorus' debut un­ it what his plans and hopes are, and then also donated some items, while several der its new singing title, which is being answers questions and suggestions. Fol- pledges have been received from other publicize3 in the program and all bill­ lowing this period, our guest leaves and sources. Because I write for several pub­ ings. Incidentally, Dr. Karl Wecker, we make any necessary decisions rela- lications and am a director of the Pro­ General Manager of the Bowl, recently tive to his project. This plan is bearing fessional Writers League, I have found wrote our local office, expressing his per­ fruitful result. opportunities to obtain good publicity sonal appreciation as well as that of his The Executive Committee has also ap- for AGMA and to stress the fact that Board of Directors for our cooperation pointed an "Opera House Committee" ours is an organization of the foremost and method of handling negotiations in to cooperate with the civic interests artists in grand opera, ballet and con­ what he de'cribes as one of the Bowl's which have been making plans for a cert. For example, the August issue of most crucial seasons. great Music Center here, in which will "Music Of The West Magazine" carried The Executive Committee has author­ be the Opera House and a smaller, con- a three page feature article about our ized me to investigate the possibilities of a ballet class to be organized along a similar pattern to that of the Chorus Class. We are also planning to give some public concerts by the chorus and ballet groups next season and to hold regu­ larly, social evenings and dinners to which leading singing and ballet stars and directors wlil be invited. Too, we have formed a local committee to assist the plan of Federal Aid to the Arts. It is composed of members of our Execu­ tive Committee and Pauline Farrell and Jose Palomares. Our Editorial Commit­ tee also is functioning, being composed of our Executive Committee and myself. Further, the Los Angeles AGMA Wel­ fare Fund was recently established. Our industrious and far-sighted Exec­ utive Committee consists of Francis Barnes, Chairman; Hilda Romain, Serge Oukrainsky, and Glynn Ross. June 16th, 1950 - East Meets West. Betty Stone, Edson Hoel, Imogene Cornwall and Lanny Ross. Report read by Delegate Romain 19 Charles L. Wagner AGMA Unfair List OHicial AG.MA Roger Wagner Chorale The companies and producers listed Central City Opera House Association below have been placed on AGMA's Un­ Companies fair List. Under no circumstances may The following companies have nego­ BALLET an AMA artist perform with these com­ tiated Basic Agreements with AGMA for panies and any violation of this ruling Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Inc. the 1950-1951 season. will result in disciplinary action by the Ballet Theatre, Inc. AGMA artists may perform only with Board of Governors. City Center of Music & Drama, Inc. Producers or Associations listed in this Covent Gardens Trust, Ltd. (Sadler's 1. Adams-Williams Corporation column. Any violations of this ruling will Wells) 430 Sixth Avenue, N.Y.C. result in disciplinary action by the Grand Ballet de Monte Carlo Wilson A. Williams Board of Governors. Les Ballets de Paris 2. Alkahest Celebrity Bureau It is always advisable to check with Mata and Hari 1221 Mortgage Guarantee Bldg. the AGMA ~ffice before accepting any Mia Slavenska Ballet Variante Atlanta, Georgia offer to sign a contract. BROADWAY COMPANIES S. Russell Bridges The Barrier Company OPERA Equinox Company 3. Belmont Opera Guild Subway Circuit, Incorporated (Belmont Community Society) Chautauqua Institution 183rd Street and Arthur Avenue Cincinnati Summer Opera Ass'n., Inc. CONCERT Bronx, New York City Center of Music & Drama, Inc. Concert Theatre, Limited Cleveland Opera Association, Inc. 4. Cosmopolitan Opera Company De Paur Infantry Chorus 1332 Walnut Street Connecticut Opera Ass'n. Philadelphia 7, Pa. James A. Doolittle Productions Theodore Feinman Fort Worth Civic Opera Ass'n., Inc. The Guild Opera Company AGMA DO's!! 5. Boston Grand Opera Company Los Angeles Conservatory of 160 West 73rd Street, N.Y.C. Music & Arts 1. If you are inactive in your field, ask Stanford Erwin Los Angeles Grand Opera Productions for an Honorable Withdrawal in writ­ 6. Manhattan Opera Co. La Scala Opera Association of Holly- ing, and this will stop dues accumu­ 119 West 57th Street, N.Y.C. wood lation. Stanford Erwin Metropolitan Opera Ass'n., Inc. 2. If you have a change of address or 7. Manhattan Opera Guild New Brooklyn Opera Company, Inc. phone number advise the office imme­ 1545 Broadway, N.Y.C. New England Opera Company diately. We want union information Benjamin F. Kutcher The New England Opera Theatre, Inc. to reach you promptly. New Orleans Opera House Ass'n., Inc. 3. You must file a claim against a pro­ 8. Mascagni Opera Guild Opera Guild of Miami ducer within two weeks of date of 250 West 91st Street, N.Y.C. Opera Workshop of Laguna Beach violation, otherwise AGMA may re­ Josephine La Puma Frank Pace fuse to process it. 9. New York Civic Opera Company Paterson Opera Co. 4. Be present at every union member­ 150 West 46th Street, N.Y.C. Father Leonardo Pavone ship meeting in your area, and let William Reutemann Philadelphia Civic Grand Opera Co. your views be heard. This is a "must" Philadelphia La Scala Opera Co., Inc. toward union progress and policy. 10. Star Opera Company Pittsburgh Opera Co. 317 West 42nd Street, N.Y.C. Pomona Valley Opera Club, Inc. 5. Keep your dues up to date. Francis C. Torre Popular Price Grand Opera Company 6. Contact the office as to the standing 11. Washington Grand Opera Ass'n. San Carlo Opera Company of the producer before signing any 1710 19th Street, N.W. San Francisco Opera Association contract. Washington, D. C. Stadium Concerts, Inc. 7. Sign your contracts promptly so they William Webster Symphony Society of San Antonio can be processed through the office.

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