Composer Can't See Own Opera

An Italian Communist composer has been denied a United States visa to attend the performance of his opera by the Boston Opera Group (BOG).

Luigl Nono, who recently ran on the Communist Party ticket in the municipal elections of Italy, was denied the visa under a section of the immigration law which provides against the admission of Communists, anarchists, and other undesirables."

Edgar Vincent, press representative of the BOG, said that in Nono's opera, Inollrranza 60, there is "nothing political at all, except that the opera is against intolerance." He added that Nono's works have been banned in Russia because they are "anti-totalitarian."

Vincent said that press coverage has led to outcries against the government action. "I'm sure the press is being heard in Washington," he said, "and that is all we can do at this time."

The opera is scheduled for performance on February 19.