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Home , Brenda Lewis, Claramae Turner, Dorothy Kirsten, Dorothy Sarnoff, Felix Knight, Frances Greer

AZ Vol. II, No.5 PUBLISHED BI·MONTHLY BY AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, Inc., A. F. of L. December, 1948

OFFICERS OFFICES

LAWRENCE TIBBETT 18 President 276 West 43rd Street CONRAD THIBAULT Telephone: LOngacre 5-7508, 9, 10 1st Vice·President • JAMES PEASE 2nd Vice·President 1. B. KORNBLUM ASTRID YARNAY 6331 Hollywood Boulevard 3rd Vice·President Telephone: Hillside 5121 LEOPOLD SACHSE • 4th Vice-President San- Franscisco THEODORE HALE 5th Vice-President 216 Pine Street Telephone: Sutter 0855 ELIZABETH HOEPPEL Recording Secretary • Treasurer G. GILBERT MASON 207 Walnut Place HYMAN R. FAINE Executive Secretary Telephone: Lombard 1187 BELMONT KINDLER • Assistant to Executive Secretary Chicago 1 BERNARD W. ZUEBERT BEN MEYERS Financial Secretary 188 W. Randolph Street Telephone: State 0585 • • JAFFE & JAFFE BELMONT KINDLER Counsel Editor

A Frank Chat With Solo Vocalists It for some time has been a matter for concern to AGMA basis of a higher minimum salary which AGMA has secured officials, officers, and Board members, that principals have for you in our Basic Agreements with producers. There is a conspicuously absented themselves from union meetings, and marked difference between negotiating when the weekly mini· in general refrained from taking a part in union affairs. mum for a leading role is $224, and when it might be $154_ Reasons That Principals Offer Further, many additional benefits Lo soloists appear in our agreements which you probably could not secure as an indi­ One is at a loss to understand such a situation, because vidual, such as: considering the numerous obstacles and discouraging experi­ ences which artists encounter in their career, it should be (a) A 'payor play' contract is deposited at AGMA for your self-evident that the need for a strong union is greater than engagement. If you sing, you are paid, of course, but if you ever. Nevertheless, soloists have occasionally confided their do not sing, you are paid anyhow. Many artists will remem­ reasons for not participating, and we shall attempt to refute ber how years ago, they were offered an engagement, and if their arguments one by one. The following excuses are those it was cancelled, even when a private contract had been signed, most often advanced:- there was little they could do. 1. "The chorus runs the union." Definitely not so, because (b) A security deposit or bond is required by AGMA to the Board of Governors fulfills that function, and the choral insure that you will be paid. body has had only three representatives on the Board. It is (c) We insist, in almost all instances, upon first class trav­ true that membership meetings have been dominated by the eling facilities for artists, which is a vast improvement over chorus, but only because principals have preferred to remain methods of transportation in the past. away. Whose fault is that? Actually, in New York for ex· (d) Some of our Basic Agreements contain a clause grant· ample, the chorus membership is greatly outnumbered by ing paid sick leave to principals. Could you conceivably ac­ that of the principals. quire that yourself? Benefits To Principals Listed (e) The number of performances in which you may ap­ 2. "AGMA can't help me. I'm a soloist, and negotiate on pear, both on a daily and weekly basis, is limited. my own." Perhaps so, but when you negotiate, it is Oll the (Contil/ued on page 2) A Frank Chat With Solo Vocalists (Continued from page 1) fore a Basic Agreement is signed, its provisions are approved (f) Required rehearsal hours have been decreased, and the by the Shop Committee. At membership meetings, a vote is compensation for rehearsals increased. invariably taken on issues in which there is a difference of (g) Your union has been attempting to include into as opinion. Every important decision that your executives make many Basic Agreements as possible a clause providing for which involves your welfare is approved by the Board of Gov· coverage under the Social Security Law. ernors. Lastly, the AGMA offices are always open to an artist 3. "I'm too busy." Too busy to be concerned with your who may have a problem or grievance. It would seem in the own welfare? Unless you come to the union office or a meet­ final analysis, that any opinion to the effect that AGMA is ing, and offer some criticism or suggestions, how can we pos­ not run democratically is based on insufficient information on sibly know what your problems are? Perhaps a Basic Agree­ how the union functions. ment has omitted something of importance to you, but if you 5. "I don't receive enough employment to earn a living. don't bring it to our attention, how can we make any improve­ How can you expect me to be active in union affairs when I ment? have a personal problem?" We realize that lack of employ· ment produces a personal problem, and can paralyze an art­ AGMA Is Run Democratically ist's enthusiasm. But won't you please come to us, and tell us of your circumstances? Perhaps methods of increasing em­ 4. "I don't think the union is run democratically." Well, ployment could be discussed at a membership meeting, and let's see. Your elected delegates to last January's Convention some affirmative action approved. approved a new Constitution under which the union has been operating, and in a nation-wide referendum, it was over­ Collective Effort Necessary whelmingly approved by the membership. As provided in the We strongly urge each AGMA soloist to abandon the illu­ Constitution, each officer and Board member who will assume sion that his individualism precludes interest in union affairs. office on January 1, 1949 will have been nominated by petition Advances in wages and working conditions are won by the or a Nominating Committee, and elected by secret ballot. You collective participation of a union's members. We hope that have just been given an opportunity to nominate by petition at the general membership meeting to be held on December delegates of your area to the Second Annual Convention. 28th, that principals will turn out in such numbers as to con­ Your Shop Committees are elected by yourself, and your union fir:n the co~fidence we have in their potential enthusiasm and officials always hold shop meetings prior to negotiations. Be- unIon-conSCIousness. More On Social Security Board Discusses The article below was prepared for some benefit will be paid to you at the AGMA members by the Federal Security age of 65, or to your family upon your Principal's Problems Agency, 11 West 42 Street, New York death, no matter at what age you die. City. Some employees may become eligible At two recent meetings, AGMA's In the last issue of AGMAZINE, the for benefits with fewer than 40 hours Board of Governors devoted the major need for coverage under the Social Se­ of coverage, depending upon their age. portion of time to a thorough analysis curity Act for employees of non-profit A free booklet, describing these bene­ of the relationship of principals to organizations was pointed out. Until the fits, is printed by the U. S. Govern­ AGMA. law is amended however, those of our ment and is available to our members. It was felt by the Board that specific members who work only for non-profit (Mr. Kindler has a small supply at the steps should be taken to encourage more organizations cannot secure for them­ union office.) selves and their families anv of the What should an artist do to safeguard solo vocalists to participate in union af­ benefits provided by the law .. his possible benefits? First, he should fairs. As a result, a resolution was ap­ There is a considerable number of ask delegate whether the producer or proved in which the following steps artists who are employed, at least part company for whom he is working is re­ were authorized;- of the time, by companies and produc­ quired to file returns under the Social 1) A series of articles will appear ill ers, who are required to report the earn­ Security Act. Second, he should check AGMAZINE (of which the current edi­ ings of their employees under the Social up each year to see whether he has re­ torial is the fi~st) explaining the duties Security Law. Because such employ­ ceived his proper credit for the previous and responsibilities of principals and ment is generally only a small part of year. A government postcard is avail­ the benefits and protection derived from an artist's employment, it is in their able for this purpose (see Mr. Kindler). membership in AGMA. own interest to see to it that they are Third, he should keep an accurate rec­ being properly credited. It is also im­ ord of his earnings and should check 2) Soloists meetings will be called in portant that they become familiar with his own record against the Social Secur­ companies at the beginning and the Social Security Law so that they ity records. end of a season, and whenever neces­ may avail themselves of any benefits to Social Security may mean insurance sary, during the season. which they may become eligible. and protection for you and your fam­ 3) A questionnaire will be sent to Every time you are paid $50.00 in ily. It will pay you to learn more about principals requesting information con­ wages in a calendar quarter, you re­ it. Visit your nearest Social Security cerning their problems. ceive one unit of credit. These units are Field Office, which address can be found 4) A booklet will be published out­ called "quarters of coverage," and 40 in the phone book under U. S. Govern­ lining the benefits of the union for the quarters of coverage guarantee that ment, Federal Security Agency. membership as a whole. 2 AGMA Ballet Board lJIlembers

Kathf'rille DUlIham Alexis Dolilloff Rutha1l1Hl Boris Tilda JUorse The Musical Event Of The 1948-1949 Season Everybody remembers the bang-up Fr... derick J agel Frank Chapman has again graciously Helen Jepson assumed responsibility for the general Artists Christmas Party that AGMA ran Raoul Jobin last December. The second such annual :\Iuriel Kl'rr supervision of the Christmas Party, and is being assisted by Mrs. Sylvia Wright affair will take place at the Metropolitan who is in charge of public relations. Opera House on Sunday, December 26th. Karl Kritz will act as Master of at 8:30 P.M. Charles Kullman Ceremonies ('nuff said) and the Metro­ Maria Kurenko politan Opera Ballet and Chorus will Famous Artists to Appear Fredell Lack Lemonade Opera Company perform, the former under Boris Rom­ Eighty-five of the world's outstanding Paula Lenchner anoff, and the latter conducted by Kurt singers, dancers and instrumentalists will Ray Lev Adler. appear in a specially prepared program Brenda Lewis Valuable assistance has been rendered which will be under the direction of Lipton EugenE' List AGMA thus far by Concert Managers Wilfred Pelletier, outstanding conductor. Emanuel List who were present at meetings held at the Among those offering their talents will Virginia MacWatters AGMA office. Among those attending be: Lucille Manners were Michael De Pace, Thea Despeaker, Lorenzo Alvary Anthony Marlowe Anton Marco Lawrence Evans of Columbia Concerts, Salvator Baccaloni Mary Manning of Colston Leigh, Ed­ Erno Balogh Bartlett & Robinson ward Snowden of Charles L. Wagner, Joseph Battista Metropolitan :\1.ale Quartet William Stein, and Paul Stowes of Suzy Morris NCAC. Mrs. J. Gordon Ives, Director Mario Berini Patrice Munsel .farmila Novotna for the Unity Concert Series in Mont­ :\farie Binci clair, N. J. provided us with a mailing Gorge Bolet :\1.ario Pasquetto Jussi Bjoerling James Pease list of her clients. .Marguerite Piazza Carol Brice Tickets Now on Sale John Brownlee Lenore Portnoy Resnik Tickets are now on sale at the Met­ Leonora Corona Stella Roman ropolitan Opera House, 39th Street and Marilyn Cotlow Rosario and Antonio Broadway, and there has been no in­ Donald Dame Lanny Ross Dorothy Sarnoff crease beyond the regular 'Met' scale. Vivian Della Chiesa Prices including the 20% Federal Tax Louis D'Angelo Norman Scott Jean Dickenson Nathaniel Sprinzena are:- Parterre Box Seats, Orchestra, Cloe Elmo Isaac Stern Orchestra Circle, Row A...... $7.50 Four Piano Ensemble Gladys Swarthout Marina Svetlova Orchestra Circle, other rows ...... 6.00 John Garris Grand Tier Box Seats...... 7.00 Carroll Glenn Italo Tajo Robert Goldsand Alec Templeton Dress Circle ...... 4.50 Conrad Thibault Balcony ...... 3.50 3.00 Roman Totenberg Family Circle ...... 2.25 1.50 Peter Hamilton Claramae Turner This star-studded event is being held for the benefit of AGMA's Welfare and Lloyd Harris Thelma Votipka Osie Hawkins Frederick White Maintenance Fund. Be sure to order Thomas Haywood Whittimore & Low!' your seats early in order to receive a Winifred Heidt Marek Windheim choice of seats. 3 New Officers and Board Members Up For Election

The tenure of all AGMA officers and 3. Arthur Backgren AND SOUTH CHORISTER (vote for 1 name only) Board Members expires on December 4. Frank D'Elia 5. Louise Dembitz 1. Arthur P. Winteler 31, 1948. In accordance with the Con­ 6. Frank Finn CHICAGO AND MID·WEST stitution, Active members throughout 7. Eloi Grimard CHORISTERS (vote for 2 names only) the nation are now participating in a 8. Anita Haase 1. Ilma Bavle secret ballot to fill the vacant posts, and 9. Joseph Hancock 2. Vinette Boyce successful candidates will take office on 10. Edith House 3. Gladys LaBetz 11. Maurice Kostroff 4. Raymond Orloff January 1, 1949. 12. Robert Ladoff 5. Glenna O'Toole Candidates were placed on the ballot 13. Irving Lavitz 6. Arthur Silhan either by petition, or else by a Nominat­ 14. Eloi Ring VOCALIST (vote for 1 name only) ing Committee in each local area. This 15. Jules Sassani 1. Joseph Tessmer 16. May Savage Nominating Committee was composed AND VICINITY 17. Betty Stone CHORISTERS (vote for 2 names only) of seven members, of which four were DANCERS (vote for 9 names only) 1. Galliano Danelllz elected by the active membership of an 1. Ruthanna Boris area, and the remaining three appointed 2. Benjamin Martin 2. Julia Barashkova 3. Edwin J. Vannucci by the Local Executive Committee, or in 3. Anton Dolin DANCERS (vote for 1 name only) the case of New York, the Board of Gov­ 4. Alexis Dolinoff 1. J oaqllin F elsch ernors. 5. Katherine Dunham 6. Robert Lindgren LOS ANGELES AND VICINITY The following AGMA members were 7. Elissa Minet CHORISTERS (vote for 2 names only) nominated as officers, and every active 8. Tilda Morse 1. Evelvn Adams member in the country paid in his dues 9. Charles Weidman 2. Edw~rd Fodern until November 1, 1948, may cast his INSTRUMENTALISTS 3. Thomas McGranahan (vote for 2 names only) 4. John E. Radic vote. 5. Hilda Romain PRESIDENT 1. Lucy Brown 2. Zino Francescatti VOCALISTS (vote for 2 name~ only) 1. 3. Muriel Kerr 1. Francis Barnes Ist VICE-PRESIDENT 4. Fredell Lack 2. Jose A. Palomares 1. Lillian Nichols 5. Ray Lev 3. Edward Ravel! 2. Conrad Thibault STAGE DIRECTORS DANCERS (vote for 1 name only) 3. -'1arek Windheim (vote for 2 names onyl) 1. Name may be written in 2nd VICE-PRESIDENT 1. Leopold Sachse RETURN BALLOTS EARLY 1. 2. Dino Yannopolllos Ballots must be returned to the New 2. Todd Duncan VOCALISTS (vote for 17 names only) York AGMA office not later than Tues­ 3. James Pease 1. Mimi Benzel! 4. Jules Sassani day morning, 9:30 A.M., January 4, 2. Richard Bonelli 1949 and the Board of Governors will 3rd VICE-PRESIDENT 3. John Brownlee 1. J ascha Heifetz 4. Frank Chapman appoint a representative committee to 4th VICE-PRESIDENT 5. Eugene Conley count the results. 1. Frank D'Elia 6. Donald Dame 2. Alexis Dolinoff 7. Louis D'Angelo 3. Frank Finn 8. Todd Duncan 4. Leopold Sachse 9. Lydia Edwards Televised 5. A slrid Varnay 10. Frances Greer 11. Winifred Heidt 5th VICE-PRESIDENT 12. William Horne 1. Edith House 13. Alice Howland At 'Met' 2. Thelma Votipka 14. Frederick Jagel The Association RECORDING SECRETARY 15. Arthur Kent opened its 1948-1949 season with a tel­ 1. Elizabeth Hoeppel 16. Felix Knight evised performance of 'Otello.' 17. Lawrence Davidson This was clearly a hopeful experiment TREASURER 18. Martha Lipton 1. Lucy Brown 19. James Pease from both the Association's viewpoint 2. Frederick Jagpl 20. Emile Renan and from AGMA's. Actually, it was the BOARD CANDIDATES LISTED 21. Dorothy Sarnoff first performauce of its kind, particu­ 22. Margaret Speaks larly of a full-length opera, in which The artists listed below were placed 23. Maxine Stellman on the ballot by the Active members of 24. Polyna Stoska AGMA negotiated a minimum wage a respective area, and you may vote if 25. Conrad Thibault scale for union members. An opportun­ you are paid in your dues until Novem­ 26. ity was also permitted for artists to of­ 27. Thelma Votipka fer their talents through a compara­ ber 1, 1948, only for those candidates 28. -'Ian'k Windheim listed in your particular area. However, tively new but rapidly growing medium. PHILADELPHIA AND VICINITY It is hoped that as a result of this you may ballot for a person not in your CHORISTERS (vote for 2 names onl~-) telecast, which was favorably received craft. For example, a chorister may se­ 1. G. Gilbert Mason lect an instrumentalist, a dancer may 2. John Santamaria by most critics and observers, that ad­ ditional will be televised, and vote for a vocalist, etc. DANCERS (vote for 1 name onl~-) NEW YORK AND VICINITY 1. :\1ichelle Rainer that AGMA members will be able to ap­ CHORISTERS (vote for 9 names only) NEW ENGLAND pear before hundreds of thousands of 1. Roy Anderson VOCALIST (vote for 1 name only) music lovers through a medium which 2. Henry S. Arthur 1. possesses limitless possibilities. 4 THE JOB OUTLOOK September 28 Meeting The companies listed below are plan­ Com~any will offer five weeks in A general membership meeting was ning engagements on a weekly basis dur­ New York during Spring; basic held at the Hotel Claridge on September ing the coming season. agreement has been signed. 28th at which time Richard Bonelli, of Employment may be available if you AGMA's Board of Governors, presided. 4. New Opera Ass'n. Inc. will contact the producer of the company National Executive Secretary Hyman in which you are interested. 535 Fifth Avenue New York, N. Y. R. Faine started the evening's proceed­ 1. Ballet Theatre Producer: Norman Schur. ings with an explanation of the new 25 West 45th Street Company plans Spring tour of "La Constitution and by-laws. He pointed New York, N. Y. Traviata," length as yet undecided; out some of its improvements, such as Artistic Director: Lucia Chase basic agreement has been signed. the vote for choristers and dancers, the Company plans spring tour, length substitution of an Annual Convention in as yet undecided; no basic agree­ 5. San Carlo Opera Company place of the former annual meeting, and ment yet. 1697 Broadway the enlargement of the Board of Govern­ 2. Metropolitan Opera Ass'n. Inc New York, N. Y. ors to permit out-of-town areas demo­ Artistic Director: Fortune Gallo 40th Street and Broadway cratic representation. The method of Company plans opera repertory New York, N. Y. electing Convention delegates and new Artistic Director: Edward P. John­ tour in Spring, length as yet unde­ Board members was also presented. cided; basic agreement not yet son. A report was next delivered by Mr. signed. Company has opened and will do Faine on successful negotiations in the sixteen weeks in New York, fol­ 6. Charles L. Wagner fields of opera, ballet, and concert. lowed by a road tour; basic agree­ 511 Fifth Avenue Unions Will Merge Soon ment has been signed. New York, N. Y. 3. N. Y. City Center of Music Producer: Charles L. Wagner Mention was made of the contemplated & Drama, Inc. Company contemplates ten week merger among AFRA, AGMA, Actors' 130 West 56th Street Spring tour of "Barber of Seville" Equity, and Chorus Equity, and of the New York, N. Y. in English; basic agreement has desirability of such a j oint effort. It Artistic Director: Laslo Halasz been signed. was emphasized that AGMA's position would be greatly strengthened by a mer­ ger of the various entertainment unions. A discussion was next held bv the Official AGMA Listing membership on the numerous problems involved in televising opera perform­ Of 1948-1949 Companies ances at the Metropolitan Opera House. Everyone was provided with a voting The following companies have signed New England Opera Theatre, Inc. record of Congressmen in regard to the a Basic Agreement with AGMA for the New Manhattan Opera Ass'n. Inc. Taft-Hartley Act, and advised to vote New Orleans Opera House Ass'n. Inc. accordingly in the November elections 1948-1949 season. New Pacific Grand Opera Ass'n. to insure defeat of those with anti-labor Under no circumstances mayan N. Y. City Center of Music and Drama, records. AGMA member accept an engagement Inc. AGMANS were commended on the with any company except those listed Opera for College evening's turnout, and hopes were ex­ below. If you are in doubt as to whether Opera Guild of Miami pressed for an even larger attendance your prospective employer has signed Philadelphia Opera Co., Inc. for the next meeting which will take a Basic Agreement, telephone the AGMA Pittsburgh Opera, Inc. place on Tuesday, September 28th, at office for information. Popular Price Grand Opera, Inc. the Claridge Hotel, Broadway and 44th Rochester Grand Opera Co. Street, at 8 P.M. OPERA Ass'n. Symphony Society of San Antonio Amato Opera Theatre, Inc. Trenton Opera Ass'n. American Opera Co., Inc. Charles L. Wagner e. z. &: L. Co. (Medium and Telephone) Int'I Board Delegates Central City Opera House Ass'n. Inc. BALLET The 4A's wrote to AGMA requesting Chicago Opera Artists Ass'n. the names of our International Board Cincinnati Summer Opera Ass'n. Inc. Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Inc. members. The Board of Governors then Connecticut Opera Ass'n. Mariemma & Ensemble appointed the following three to act as Hollywood Bowl Ass'n. Mia Slavenska Ballet Variante International Board representatives:­ International Opera Co. N. Y. City Center Ballet Company National Executive Secretary Hyman R. International Royal Grand Opera Co. CONCERT Faine, Second Vice-President James Lucretia Co. Pease, and President Lawrence Tibbett. Lyric Opera Ass'n. Inc. Concert Theatre, Limited Manhattan Civic Opera Ass'n. Inc. De Paur Infantry Chorus The alternates will be Board of Gov­ Musical Art Society of Paterson Mati & Hari ernors members Donald Dame, Eliza­ National Grand Opera Co. Robert Shaw Chorale beth Hoeppel, and lVIaurice Kostroff. 5 Convention Plans Progress Suspended Members AGMA's Second Annual Convention 43. Conrad Thibault (Voc.) The following artists have been sus­ 44. Thelma Votipka (Voc.) will be held at the Park Central Hotel 45. Marek Windheim (Voc.) pended from membership by AGMA's in on Thursday, Friday 46. Dino Yannopoulos (St. Dir.) Board of Governors. We hope their re­ and Saturday, January 20, 21 and 22. PHILADELPHIA AND VICINITY instatement will be possible in the near future: Petitions have been received in New (3 Delegates to be selected) York City from each geographic area 1. George Southern (Chor.) Amos, Anna Mae 2. Wynema McKinley Fox (Chor.) Bandelloni, Nina nominating respective delegates to the 3. Jessie Walker (Chor.) Bortfeld, Patricia Convention. As provided in the Consti­ Bobek, Stefan NEW ENGLAND Boue, Jeori tution, the number of delegates from a (l Delegate to be selected) Bourdin, Roger locality is based on such an area having Bourdon, Georgeanna L Nancy Trickey (Voc.) "twenty-five (25) active members in Bradley, Bill NEW ORLEANS AND SOUTH Caprino, Flori good standing or major portion thereof, Caprino, Rita Florida (l Delegate to be selected) provided that every such geographic Carboni, Nino L Joseph Scorsone (Chor.) Carpenter, John area shall be entitled to at least one (I) 2. Arthur P. Winteler (Chor.) Civil, Ptablo delegate. " Cronin, Elinor CHICAGO AND MID-WEST Dame, Beverly The National AGMA office has sent (4 Delegates to be selected) Day, Nola Demers, Muriel A. ballots to all Active AGMA members, so L lima Bayle (Chor.) Dollar, William that a secret ballot may be conducted 2. Vinette Boyce (Chor.) Donan, Orlando 3. Gladys La Betz (Chor.) for delegates to the Convention. Those Fiore, Elsa (Rosner) 4. Raymond Orloff (Chor.) Grandahl, Mary R. artists nominated by their respective 5. Glenna O'Toole (Chor.) Gross, Glenn 6. Arthur Silhan (Chor.) area are as follows: Gynrod, Frederick 7. Joseph Tessmer (Voc.) Haley, Silita SAN FRANCISCO AND VICINITY Hall, Patricia E. NEW YORK AND VICINITY Haswell, H. R. (37 Delegates to be selected) (4 Delegates to be selected) Heyes, Rudolfo James Attarian (Chor.) Hightower, Roselle L Roy Anderson (Chor.) 1. 2. Galliano Daneluz (Chor.) Janus, Henry J. 2. Erno Balogh (lnst.) 3. May be written in Johnston, George F. 3. Julia Barashkova (Dane.) 4. May be written in Luhorne, Dorothy 4. Mimi Benzell (Voc.) Mikuta, J anne 5. Richard Bonelli (Voc.) LOS ANGELES AND VICINITY Milanov, Zinka 6. Ruthanna Boris (Dane.) (5 Delegates to be selected) Mueller, Elroy W. 7. Lucy Brown (lnst.) Noland, Gilbert 8. Frank Chapman (Voc.) L Evelyn Adams (Chor.) Nygren, James R. 9. Frank D'Elia (Chor.) 2. Francis Barnes (Voc.) Oliver, Nelson 10. Louise Dembitz (Chor.) 3. Thomas McGranahan (Chor.) Osgood, Arnett Leon, Jr. Anton Dolin (Danc.) 4. Jose A. Palomares (Voc.) n. Pace, Donald D. 12. Alexis Dolinoff (Dane.) 5. John E. Radic (Chor.) Pagano, Margaret 13. Todd Duncan (Voc.) 6. Edward Ravell (Voc.) Parker, Frank 14. Lydia Edwards (Voc.) 7. Hilda Romain (Chor.) Platt, Edward 15. William Fantasia (Chor.) C. Raid, Gerrie 16. Frank Finn (Chor.) VOTING NOT UMITED TO CRAFT Ridley, Mildred C. 17. William Fisher (Chor.) Robinson, Virginia Louise 18. Zino Francescatti (lnst.) You may vote for any person on the Schultz, Carolyn Sawyer 19. Eloi Grimard (Chor.) ballot from your area regardless of Settle, Glynn T. 20. Winifred Heidt (Voc.) whether he may be a chorister, dancer, Shell, Gene E. 2L Elizabeth Hoeppel (Voc.) instrumentalist, stage director, or vocal­ Singleton, Dora C. 22. Edith House (Chor.) ist. A chorister may vote for a dancer, Small, Clarence W. 23. Felix Knight (Voc.) Tessler, D. Pat 24. Maurice Kostroff \ Chor.) and a vocalist may vote for an instru­ Turner, Rodman Earl 25. Fredell Lack (lnst.) mentalist. Ballots must be returned to Vivaldi, Richard 26. Robert Ladoff (Chor.) the AGMA National office, 276 West Watkins, frances 27. Irving Lavitz (Chor.) 43rd Street, New York City, not later 28. Lawrence Davidson (Voc.) than Tuesday morning, 9:30 A.M. Jan­ 29. Ray Lev (lnst.) 30. Martha Lipton (Voc.) uary 4, 1949, and they will then be 31. Elissa Minet (Dane.) tabulated by a committee appointed by DECEASED 32. Tilda Morse (Dane.) the Board of Governors. Remember, Antonio Fantini, an AGMA member 33. Lillian Nichols (Chor.) only Active members paid to Novem­ .'34. James Pease (Voc.) ber I, 1948 may vote. since its inception, died last month in 35. Emile Renan (Voc.) . 36. Leopold Sachse (St. Dir.) All elected delegates to the Convention 37. Jules Sass ani (Chor.) will be furnished with a credential cer­ The unfortunate news came as a 38. May Savage (Chor.) tificate by the National office prior to surprise to his friends, all of whom re­ 39. Margaret Speaks (Voc.) 40. Georgia Standing (Voc.) the Convention. Further necessary in­ gret his departure. 41. Betty Stone (Chor.) formation will be forthcoming from the 42. Polyna Stoska (Voc.) National office. 6 Amusement Tax Repeal Presented 4 A's Merger At A. F. of L. Convention Drawing Near Anyone spending an evening at a profit organizations to continue so The 4'A's Merger Committee has been meeting regularly during recent months place of amusement in the entertainment that such activities may enrich the in an effort to crystalize plans for the is now required to pay a 209(' Federal educational and cultural life of the country, and amalgamation of AGMA, AFRA, Actors' Admission Tax. Equity and Chorus Equity. Whereas, It is the intent of the Ameri­ Considerable progress has been made Many union officials in the theatrical can people to create and foster in in solving the numerous organizational field have discussed the desirability of the these cultural ac­ problems inherent in such a merger, working for the repeal of this tax, which tivities so as to place the United such as one card for members working represents a financial burden to the pub­ States in the forefront of the na­ in different branches, the establishment tions of the world in this field. lic, and undoubtedly is a contributing of a central treasury, the structure of a therefore be it ' governing body, the future of television, factor ill reduced box office receipts Resolved, That this convention go on etc. throughout the nation. record as favoring the elimination Although Screen Actors' Guild will Hyman R. Faine, AGMA's National or reduction of the Federal Amuse­ not at first join the merger, a working ment Admission Tax, and be it Executive Secretary, drafted the follow­ arrangement is expected to exist with further AFRA, particularly with respect to tele­ ing resolution, which in final form was RESOLVED, That the Federal Amusement vision. AGVA, having recently experi­ presented to the A.F. of L. Convention Admisison Tax be eliminated en­ enced an internal reorganization will recently in Cincinnati by George Heller, tirely with respect to cultural ac­ not immediately join, but will be invited National Executive Secretary of AFRA, tivities conducted and fostered by to do so at a later date when it has and then referred to the A.F. of L. Tax non-profit organizations, thereb)· achieved a greater degree of stability. restoring to these organizations AGMA's Board of Governors ap­ Committee: their pre-war tax status and reaf­ pointed the following members to rep­ "Whereas, The Federal Amusement Ad­ firming the government's pre-war resent AGMA at the merger sessions:­ mission Tax of twenty (200/c) per policy of granting such organiza­ Erno Balogh, Alexis Dolinoff, Maurice cent constitutes an enormous bur­ tions exemption from the Admis­ Kostroff, Leopold Sachse, and Lawrence den and detriment to the purchase sion Tax." Tibbett. of tickets for admission to all phases of amusement, including motion picture houses, theatres, night clubs, concert halls, opera and bal­ let presentations, and Whereas, Such burden has been reflect­ ed in the decreasing employment available for performing artists and technicians in such field, and Whereas, The earning capacity of such artists and technicians as described above has consequently substantial­ ly decreased, and Whereas, There is a grave danger that such trend will increase, and Whereas, The largest percentage of all employed in such entertainment and cultural activities of performing, talent and technicians are members of union affiliated with the A.F. of L., Whereas, The impact of substantially decreased gross receipts has gravely endangered the continued existence and operation of all of the cultural centers of the United States, such as the Metropolitan Opera House, Courlesy Musical America The Philadelphia and Philharmonic Symphony Orchestras, and many "Yon might like it Joe - personally I was disappointed" others, and Whereas, Relief particularly must be ob­ tained to permit these cultural non· 7 AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, INC. Maestro Salmaggi Likes Statement of Operating Receipts and Disbursements for the Fiscal Period AGMA Choristers! October 1, 1947 to September 30, 1948 We have been accustomed in the past to 's Maestro Alfredo Salmaggi RECEIPTS Dues: referring to AGMA choristers in lan­ Initiation Fee,; ...... $ 8,614.72 guage which would be deleted from any Dues: family publication. Active Membt'n- ...... $21.216.35 You could have bowled us over with Associate Membt'rs ...... 1,643.34 Chorus Members ...... 8,482.31 a plate of spaghetti when an item ap­ Ballet Members ...... 4,712.69 peared in the "Daily News" a couple of Junior Membprs ...... 4.199.42 months ago in which the Maestro said 40.254.11 that the new method of selecting chor­ Working Permits ...... 5,453.75 isters, reached in an agreement between Assessments ...... "...... 400.50 ;vIiscellaneous Income ...... 40.50 AGMA and himself, was operating TOTAL RECEIPTS $54,763.58 "smooth as silk." DISBURSEMENTS Further, the Maestro beamed, "My Office Salaries ...... $24,229.15 performances at the Brooklyn Acad­ Printing & :\limeographing ...... 959.42 Stationery & Office Supplies ...... 1,429.54 emy of Music, judging from the first two Ken t ...... 2,700.00 presentations of "" and "," Telephone & Telegraph ...... 2,429.60 show that with the cooperation of AGMA Postage ...... 1,794.62 we can present all-around improvement Light, Water & Towel Supply ...... 342.62 in the staging of the operas. I am well Insurance ...... 49.70 Miscellaneous Expense ...... 947.87 satisfied with the present arrangement Bank Charges ...... 14.11 and am working together with AGMA Dues & Subscriptions ...... 220.00 in considering the rotation system as Auditing Fees ...... 200.00 best we can." Legal Fees ...... 2,700.00 Disbursements Legal ...... 148.91 The Maestro also naughtily told the Arbitration Fees ...... 250.00 press that some of AGMA's lady choris­ Agmazine Expense ...... 1,261.55 ters weren't able to climb a flight of Checking Performances ...... 233.29 steps in "'s" Nile Scene. Well, if in Meeting Expenses ...... "...... 535.66 order to secure an $11 job every two or Audition Expenses ...... ".. 133.05 'l'raveling Expense ...... 050.63 three weeks, I had to look like Lana Delegates Expenses ...... 144.56 Turner, act like Helen Hayes, and sing Chicago Office Expense ...... 615.08 like , the prospect of ascending Los Angeles Office Expense ...... 2,077.73 a staircase during a performance would Philadelphia Office Expense ...... 47.00 discourage me too. San Francisco Office Expense ...... 843.93 Pel' Capita Tax to 4A's ...... 382.00 Anyhow, box.. office receipts have im .. N. Y. State Unemployment Insurance ...... 84.38 proved at the Brooklyn Academy. What Federal Old Age Benefit Tax ...... 153.19 more could anyone ask? TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $45,014.31 EXCESS OF RECEIPTS OVER DISBUSEMENTS $ 9,749.27 AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, INC. Statement of Assets and Liabilities De Paur Signs as of September 30, 1948 Agreement ASSETS Cash in Bank and On Hand: Manufacturers Trust Co. N. Y. Reg. alc ...... $22,458.72 Leonard De Paur, conductor of the Security - De Paur Infantry Chorus, which is man­ First National Bank of Los Angeles ...... 101.82 aged by Columbia Concerts, Inc. has Cash on Hand New York Oflice ...... 100.00 signed an agreement with AGMA for the $22,660.54 1948-1949 season. Kent Deposit - N. Y. Office ...... 450.00 Hospitalization Advanced ...... 30.48 Provided for in the contract, and of Furniture & Fixtures (Nominal Value) ...... l.OO special benefit to the artists in the Security Funds and Bonds: chorus, is a two week paid sick leave Manufacturers Trust Co., N. Y. clause. Claim Adjustment alc - per contra ...... 1.534.65 Bankers Trust Co., N. Y. Negotiations for the 1949-1950 sea.. Security Deposit ale ...... 21,450.00 son will begin shortly, and AGMA hopes Custodian alc - U. S. Govt. Bonds ...... 15,000.00 to secure a Basic Agreement which will N. Y. C. Bonds ...... 5,000.00 represent a material improvement to the 41,4050.00 TOTAL ASSETS $66,126.67 men in the chorus, and thus convince them of the advantages of union mem­ bership. 8 Meet The LIABILITIES Notes Payable - Scrt'pn Actors Guild "...... "" ...... $ 5,000.00 AGMA Staff Withholdill!' Taxes Payable .""""".".""."""".,,"",, ...... ,, ...... 206.00 Social Security Taxes Payable ...... "...... 41.98 This will introduce the people who Claim Adjustments Payable - per contra ...... 1,534.65 work for your union, - and frequently Security Deposit Payable - per contra ...... "...... ".... . 41,450.00 at a time when you may be at a movie, TOTAL LIABILITIES $48,232.63 or at home listening to your favorite EXCESS OF ASSETS OVER LIABILITIES $17,894.04 radio program. Hym.an R. Faine, National Executive Secretary: handles top negotiations AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, INC. such as Metropolitan Opera House, etc. Budget television, 4A's merger, organizational problems. for the 12 Month Period Belm.ont Kindler. Asst. to Executive October 1, 1948 - September 30, 1949 Secretary:- edits AGMAZINE and has charge of opera field, choral concert re­ vues and chorus affairs. ANTICIPATED RECEIPTS Bernard W_ Zuebert, Financial Sec­ Initiation Fees ...... ".. "." .... "" ...... "...... ".. ".. "...... ". $ 9,000.00 Dues: retary:- takes care of all finances, han­ Active Soloist Members "" ...... $24,000.00 dles ballet companies and ballet concert Active Chorus Members .. "..... "...... "" ...... ". 10,500.00 revues, and will shortly assume super­ Active Dance Members ...... "..... ".. ".. "..... "...... 5,500.00 vision of the concert manager's basic Associate Soloist Members ...... "." ...... 3,000.00 agreement. Associate Chorus Members .. "...... "" ...... "..... "..... ".. . 2,000.00 Associate Dance Members ..... "...... "" ...... 2,000.00 Katherine Clark:- Mr. Kindler's as­ Associate Dance Members ...... "...... 1,000.00 sistant. 46,000.00 Working Permits ...... "."." ...... """ .. ,, ...... 4,000.00 Peggy Lawlor:- Mrs. Wright's as­ Assessments ...... "...... "...... "",, ...... 100.00 sistant in the preparation of the Christ­ Management Basic Fees ...... ".. "...... "... "..... "... "" .. "...... "" .. 100.00 mas Party. Miscellaneous Receipts ...... "...... "...... "" ...... 100.00 Marie Siegel:- Mr. Zuebert's assist­ TOTAL ANTICIPATED RECEIPTS $59,300.00 ant; takes care of membership depart­ ANTI CIP ATED DISBURSEMENTS ment; handles members' dues. Office. Salari(>s ." .... "...... "...... $28.800.00 Maxine Stone:- New switchboard Printing and Mimeographing ...... 1,000.00 operator. Agmazine ...... "...... "...... 1,250.00 Sylvia Wright:- Public Relations Di­ Station .. ry & Office Supplies ...... 1,000.00 rector for the Annual Christmas Party. Rent ...... "...... "... "...... 2,700.00 Kay Yeargans:- Mr. Faine's secre­ Telephone & Telegraph ". 2,100.00 tary. Postage ...... "" ...... ".... "...... " 1.800.00 Members wishing information or as­ Light, Water & Towel Supply ...... "...... 350.00 sistance should be guided by the above Insurance ...... "... "...... "...... "...... "...... 150.00 when they contact the AGMA office. Miscellaneous Expenses ...... "...... 750.00 Bank Charges ...... "...... "... "...... 10.00 Subscriptions ...... "...... ""...... "... ".. 20.00 Auditing ...... ".... "...... "" ..... "...... "...... "...... 400.00 AGMA Wins Legal Fees .. "...... 2,700.00 Disbursements - Legal ..... "...... 200.00 Howland Claim Arbitration Fees ...... 250.00 Checking Performances ...... 250.00 Alice Howland, an AGMA member, Meeting Expenses ...... 600.00 appeared on July 5, 1948 with L'Asso­ Audition Expenses ...... 150.00 ciation de Concerte Classiques de Mon­ Traveling Expenses .... " 750.00 treal, with which Madame Blonin is as­ Delegates' Expenses ...... 250.00 sociated. Unfortunately, Miss Howland Philadelphia Office Expenses 100.00 was not paid for the performance, and Chicago Office Expense 700.00 brought the matter to AGMA's atten­ Los Angeles Office Expense . 2,000.00 tion. San Francisco Offic(> Expense 900.00 After the umon correspondcd with Per Capita Tax to 4A's ...... 800.00 Madame Blonin, a check for $288.35 N.Y.S. Unemployment Insurance 300.00 was sent to Miss Howland. Federal Old Age Benefit Taxes .. ".. "...... 200.00 This is still another example of the TOTAL ANTICIPATED DISBURSEMENTS $50,480.00 value of union membership to artists. We hope that all principals will please note. 9 AGMA Unfair List The companies and producers listed below are on AGMA's Unfair List. Keep This Date Open! tinder no circumstances may AGMA members perform with any of these companies and violation of this ruling will result in disciplinary action. 1. Adams-Williams Corp. Pre-Convention 430 Sixth Avenue New York, N. Y. Wilson A. Williams 2. BBelmont Opera Guild (Belmont Community Society) Membership Meeting 183 St. & Arthur Ave. Bronx, N. Y. 3. Manhattan Opera Guild 1545 Broadway New York, N. Y. Hear Reports On Benjamin F. Kutcher 4. lVIascagni Opera Guild 1. COMING CONVENTION 250 West 91st Street New York, N. Y. 2. CHRISTMAS PARTY Josephine La Puma 5. National Negro Opera Co., Inc. 3. 4 A's MERGER 3315 14th Street, N. E. Washington, D. C. 4. TELEVISION~ NEWS Mary Cardwell Dawson S. DUES INCREASE 6. New York Civic Opera Co. 150 West 46th Street New York, N. Y. William Reuterman 7. William Spada Tuesday, December 28, 1948, 8 p. m. 226 West 72nd Street New York, N. Y. 8. Star Opera Co. HOTEL CLARIDGE 317 West 42nd Street New York, N. Y. 44th STREET, EAST OF BROADWAY Francis C. Torre 9. Verdi Grand Opera Co. 389 Selye Terrace Rochester, N. Y. Please Be Prompt! Vincent Faga Sylvestre Zaccarria 10. Washington Grand Opera Assn. 1710 19th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. William Webster

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