The news that Boosey & Hawkes, Ltd. had acquired the lease of Govent Garden doubtless caused some surprise in musical circles; and those who asked (a little contemptuously, perhaps) what experience the firm possessed of running opera, were quite justified in so doing. The answer to that question is—to speak quite frankly—“All too little.” But since the firm has no intention of attempting to run the Opera House by its own unaided efforts and, on the contrary, is anxious to secure the collaboration of those with the requisite experience of operatic policy, management and production, the anxiety rightly felt on this account will I hope, be somewhat alleviated. It is well understood that the foundation of a permanent English Opera of the highest standard is a matter of paramount concern to every genuine music-lover in this country; and the project will be approached with the seriousness and determination which it demands.
