A history of opera in the American West

Focusing on New Orleans, Chicago, and San Francisco, while including the achievements of Dallas, Santa Fe, Central City, and San Antonio, this book traces the development of opera in the American West against an ever changing social milieu. Ranging from the red plush era of the nineteenth century onward, the author covers such grand personalities as Adelina Patti, Nellie Melba, Joan Sutherland, and Maria Callas. Of additional interest is the book's coverage of near endless financial difficulties and natural disasters as well as rich personal anecdotes.