Article on Maretzek’s downfall and the opening of Pike’s Opera House

“A new and splendid opera house will be thrown open to the public in this city this week and another attempt made to establish Italian opera on a permanent basis. This branch of the lyric art has hitherto led a checkered existence among us. Various attempts have been made to keep it alive here, all of which, however, have signally failed. All sorts of managers took charge of its ever varying fortunes, and after passing through the hands of a number of incapables it finally came to Maretzek. He commenced well, and for some time came very near making Italian opera an unqualified success. Then arose a private clique of stockholders belonging to the very house that was destined as the home of opera, who arrogated to themselves the right of judging and deciding everything connected with opera. They decreed who should be prima donna, what operas should be sung, and monopolized not only the best seats in the house, but also the entire management of the opera. They used poor Maretzek as the instrument of their overbearing arrogance and caused him to make a fool of himself by wantonly attacking newspapers that were his best friends. He now suffers the consequences of allowing himself to be their dupe, and the finances of the Academy are at the lowest ebb. It may be converted to a Black Crook establishment, a circus or a menagerie; but its prestige as the home of the opera has departed forver. The new opera house (Pike’s) is organized on more liberal principles, the proprietor being the only stockholder. We shall see now whether Italian opera can succeed under new auspices. The opening promises well. La Grange and Brignoli are great attractions, and, if well supported, will undoubtedly draw immense houses. But it is not enough to begin well. The manager must put forth all his energy and skill; the quality of the artistes must constantly be kept up to a first class standard, and every means insured to win the appreciation of the public. Such a course will tend to make Italian opera a permanent success in the metropolis. The new house is a magnificent temple of art, and everything placed on its stage should be in keeping.”