Real Teatro di S Carlo

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE

BRITISH MILITARY AUTHORITIES

NAPLES

NOVEMBER 15TH 1943 - NOVEMBER 15TH 1944

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SOUVENIR PROGRAMME

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FOREWARD

This great Opera House has seen many illustrious evenings since it was built in 1737. Kings and Queens of Europe have sat in its Royal Box; Lord Nelson is known to have spent many hours here listening to Opera; and yet, looking back over the years, over all the pomp and splendour of past occasions. I say that tonight is unique in its history.

For tonight marks the first anniversary of the re-opening of this Theatre under the direction of the British Military Authorities.

Just a year ago, on November 15th l943, when the battle raged but a few miles away, we opened with an Italian revue. Since then, with the exception of a few days of rehearsals, not a day has passed without a presentation on this stage. No less than 480,000 Allied troops have passed through these doors.

On December 26th, true to Italian tradition, the Opera Season opened with «La Boheme», and from that date onwards, except for a fortnight's engagement of Irving Berlin's revue «This is the Army», Opera has been presented daily - undoubtedly a World's Record! The orchestra of 98 is permanently engaged and 260 Italians form the theatre staff. Civilians are permitted to visit the Opera; thus we have given back to the Italian people something which is verv precious to them, and in so doing gave added proof of our wish to liberate and not to conquer. So tonight, in gratitude, the artists and S. Carlo Orchestra, and all the permanent staff, are giving their services free. All profits from tonight's concert and the sale of this programme will be sent to the Lord Mayor of London's Air Raid Distress Fund - a Christmas Present from Naples to Britain. The distribution of the fund is not of course confined to London but is allotted at the Lord Mayor's discretion to any part of the United Kingdom.

One personal note in conclusion. The privilege of directing this beautiful Opera House during the past year is one I shall treasure all my life. The work has not always been easy but the Military Staff have carried out their duties with keeness and tact, and if we have made mistakes we hope we have profited by them, trying always to do our best to serve the thousands of music-lovers who have visited the San Carlo Opera House.

NAPLES

15th, Nov. 44