Rosalie’s Diary - 15 April 1907
Rosalie’s Diary
I no longer work at the Golden Rooster. Charles rented an apartment for me near Madame Taddeo, so it’s very easy to walk to
her place for voice lessons. She says I’m making wonderful progress. I’m so happy. There is an opera company coming next month,
and Madame Taddeo knows the conductor, Rudolph Buck. As a favor, she will ask him to hear me sing.
If Buck likes my singing, he might be willing to put me on the program—not in an actual opera, but these traveling companies
also present recital concerts in addition to full operas, and that’s when they sometimes add local artists to the program.
To be perfectly honest, she did mention that a little cash helps things along. When I told Charles, he told me not to worry.
If Rudolph Buck wanted payment to put me on the program, then he would pay.
I’m so nervous. I’m only an amateur. But at the same time, I want this so very much. Do I even dare dream that Buck will hire
me? I would be quite content to be a member of the chorus, travel the world, get out of Shanghai.
I told Father about the voice lessons. He warned me that the more Charles gave me, the more he would expect in return.