ENGLISH OPERA COMPANY.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1391, 27 July 1874, Page 2

ENGLISH OPERA COMPANY.

"lily of killarotey."

Benedict's "Lily of Killarney" wis the opera presented on Saturday night by the English Opera Company at the Prince of Wales. The house was not at all in proper* tion to the merits of the performance, which were undeniable. Miss Alice May depicted the heroine with her usual talent. Her wonderful pathos in the song "I'm alone", drew tears from the eyes of many_of her listeners. Mr Hallam sang "Eilv Ma« vourneen" with good expression. The different characters were well rendered by the other members of the company. A slight subduedness noticeable about the tone of the performance may perhaps be accounted for by the thin house. To-night "Cinderella" (Rossini) is to be produced, and we fully expect to see a crowded house reward the meritorious efforts of the company in preparing thisiopera specially for an Auckland audience, The new scenery, some of which we have in-, specfced, is painted with the greatest artistic skill by Mr Willis. This 'will of course pi*/ a considerable part in an opera where there is such need for great scenic display. Parents, who wish to give their children atreat should include them in their party to the opera to-. wght. The story ig one tbafc appeals Jo their tender years with spatial force, waJJi

Bcssini's music, by its sweetness and melodiousness, is alike captivating to old, sec yOUDg. On Tuesday night, Balfe's beautiful Opera the Pose of Castile, is to be repeated by gpecial request, Mibs May's portraiture of the character of Elvira, is a most artistic; effort and should be witnessed by everyone.