Pons

(péns), (1) Charles, French con.poser; from about 1oo0r active as composer of many operas of lighter nature, “TLEpreuve,” “Mourette,” ‘“‘La Voile de Bonheur,” “Francaise”; oratorio, “La Samarataine”’; music for various plays, 4 Ma , and piano works. (2) Lily, b. Cannes, France, April 16, 1904; coloratura soprano, of French-Italian parentage; studied piano at Paris Cons. and singing with Albert i De Gorostiaga; in her native country she had fulfilled only minor engagements resorts, making operatic début at Mulhouse in “Louise,” 1928; became protégée of Maria Gay, who discovered her unusual gifts; wholly unknown in America, she made début with Met. Op. Co., New York, as “Lucia,” Jan. 3, I93I, with sensational succ., and immediately became leading mem. of that co.; has sung in opera and concert in Paris, Rome, London and elsewhere as one of leading vocalists of the day; also with wide following in radio programmes and films. (pédn-sél’), (1) Rosa, b. Meriden, Conn.; dramatic soprano; of Italian parents; family name, Ponzillo; early heard as church soloist in native town, later as vaudeville singer with her sister; had vocal instruction for opera from William and Romano Romani; brought to attention of Caruso, under whose sponsorship she made Met. Op. début as “Leonora” in “Forza del Destino” in 1918 with impre ive succe ; until 1936 was a leading mem. of that co., réles incl. “Norma,” “Donna Anna,” the heroine in Spontini’s “‘ La Vestale,” and many other Italian dramatic works, also “Carmen’’; in these she has shown outstanding beauty and opulence of voice; has appeared at Covent Garden, making a particular succ. as “Violetta”; also in Italy; widely as a recital and orchestral soloist, and on the radio. (2) Carmela, her sister, mezzo-soprano; has sung with Met. Op. and with other Amer. lyric organisations; also in concert and radio.