Episode 1: 1943-1944

Ezio Pinza

70 years ago today (October 3, 2013), 18-year-old Alfred Hubay ushered for the first time at the Metropolitan Opera which became one of the loves of his life. He later became House Manager, Box Office Manager and consultant to the company. He also appeared for 38 consecutive years as a panelist during the Opera Quiz on the Texaco Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. In 1978, he was awarded the Metropolitan Opera National Council's Verdi Medal for Achievement.
Today consists of two beginnings: In honor of Mr. Hubay, the first episode of this podcast is devoted to his beginning in the world of opera, hearing operas and singers for the first time. (Part 1 of 2).  
(Recorded 10 February 2011)

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Episode 2: 1943-1944

Jarmillla Novotna

Alfred Hubay continues his account of his first season, 1943-1944 as an usher for the Metropolitan Opera. He talks about Jarmila Novotna, Raoul Jobin, Bruna Castagna, Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett in Tosca, the Sunday Night Concerts, Bidu Sayao, the return of Marjorie Lawrence, the Norma of Zinka Milanov and one of his most favorite singers, Licia Albanese. (Part 2 of 2).
(Recorded 10 February 2011)

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Episode 3: 1944-1945

Raoul Jobin

Alfred Hubay remembers his experiences as a 19-year-old usher during the 1944-1945 season of the Metropolitan Opera, including a frightened conductor, the farewell of a beloved artist, two great Isoldes, the debuts of 3 Americans and two forgotten singers. (Part 1 of 2).
(Recorded 10 February 2011)

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Episode 4: 1944-1945

Eleanor Steber

Alfred Hubay remembers his experiences as a 19-year-old usher during the 1944-1945 season of the Metropolitan Opera, including the Opera Auditions of the Air, experiencing a tenor from the past, the return of Meistersinger, Jennie Tourel, a Ring production from the turn of the century and 2 stalwart Americans. (Part 2 of 2).
(Recorded 10 February 2011)

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