Opera Night in Muskogee
Madame Nordica, the Yankee Diva, came to Muskogee in 1906. Opera lovers from all over eastern Indian Territory came to hear her perform for one night only at the Hinton Theatre. The theater was located on the northwest corner of Court and Third Streets, just across the street from the Turner Hotel where it's likely many guests stayed after Madame Nordica's performance.
She was, during the Golden Age of Opera, America's most glamorous operatic soprano. Mme. Nordica arrived in her personal railroad car on the Katy line. In addition to a troupe of performers, she brought her own Everett Grand Piano.
As soon as the doors to the Hinton Theatre opened the well dressed elite from Indian Territory began their search for seats. This was the day of hats and gloves for ladies. And the theater was filled to capacity for the night's performance. Attendance was estimated at 400, i.e., full capacity.
The audience received a grand performance. Though she always felt trepidation upon going on stage, Madame Nordica exhibited a calm, commanding persona. Perhaps she felt more self-assured because of the luxurious gowns and jewelry she wore.
Madame Nordica really was an American, having been born in 1857 in Maine. She took her stage name when she was told in Italy that she would never succeed in Europe as Lillian Norton. The range and richness of her voice insured her success all across Europe and in America. By the time she appeared in Muskogee, she was America's most beloved prima donna.
Madame Nordica appearance in Indian Territory was due to the efforts of the Ladies' Saturday Music Club. When the club learned that her fee was over $1,000 per night, they sought the backing of the Elks. With the Elks' guarantee, the contract was signed. After Mme. Nordica's departure, it was calculated the Elks and the Music Club made a profit of $350.
The ladies of the music club gave Madame Nordica an informal reception after the concert. The singer expressed her appreciation by saying, "If I had such a beautiful country as yours I wouldn't submit to going in with Oklahoma as a state." Then she mopped her brow and commented that she was not accustomed to such warm weather.
After Madame Nordica sang on Wednesday, April 25, she boarded her railroad car and departed for Joplin, MO for another performance. It was her heyday both professionally and financially. She had, after all, been singing opera for twenty-three years and opened the 1905-1906 season at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. A smaller venue such as Muskogee was indeed fortunate to hear her perform.
She was, during the Golden Age of Opera, America's most glamorous operatic soprano. Mme. Nordica arrived in her personal railroad car on the Katy line. In addition to a troupe of performers, she brought her own Everett Grand Piano.
As soon as the doors to the Hinton Theatre opened the well dressed elite from Indian Territory began their search for seats. This was the day of hats and gloves for ladies. And the theater was filled to capacity for the night's performance. Attendance was estimated at 400, i.e., full capacity.
The audience received a grand performance. Though she always felt trepidation upon going on stage, Madame Nordica exhibited a calm, commanding persona. Perhaps she felt more self-assured because of the luxurious gowns and jewelry she wore.
Madame Nordica really was an American, having been born in 1857 in Maine. She took her stage name when she was told in Italy that she would never succeed in Europe as Lillian Norton. The range and richness of her voice insured her success all across Europe and in America. By the time she appeared in Muskogee, she was America's most beloved prima donna.
Madame Nordica appearance in Indian Territory was due to the efforts of the Ladies' Saturday Music Club. When the club learned that her fee was over $1,000 per night, they sought the backing of the Elks. With the Elks' guarantee, the contract was signed. After Mme. Nordica's departure, it was calculated the Elks and the Music Club made a profit of $350.
The ladies of the music club gave Madame Nordica an informal reception after the concert. The singer expressed her appreciation by saying, "If I had such a beautiful country as yours I wouldn't submit to going in with Oklahoma as a state." Then she mopped her brow and commented that she was not accustomed to such warm weather.
After Madame Nordica sang on Wednesday, April 25, she boarded her railroad car and departed for Joplin, MO for another performance. It was her heyday both professionally and financially. She had, after all, been singing opera for twenty-three years and opened the 1905-1906 season at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. A smaller venue such as Muskogee was indeed fortunate to hear her perform.
Labels: Hinton Theatre, Lillian Norton, Madame Nordica, Opera
posted by Wally Waits at
8:35 AM
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