GRAND OPERA.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18180, 17 September 1924, Page 6

GRAND OPERA.

SUCCESSFUL SEASON IN AUSTRALIA. (rSC'il OCR OWX COB.KESEOKDENT.) SYDNEY, September 11, That tlisra is a sufficiently largo public in Australia for opera has • been strikingly demonstrated, noi only in Melbourne, but also in Sydne3'- The Sydney public, to epeak of tho soaf-on that ha.3 just closed, have- mado it clear that they not only appreciate a thoroughly artistic enterprise of this kind, but that they are ready to pay heavily for the pleasure of it _ and the musical culture and education derived from it. Every performance at Her Majesty's Theatre too crowded. Nightly people- ctood throughout the performance even a-t the back of the dress circle, hoping that someone or other who had booked seats there would not turn up, but content in any circumstanced to stand all night. In passing, the standard of the orchestral playmg has been a wonderful illustration of what can. bo done with local material, under the baton of a, man like Paolantonio. So little was heard of Melba, on account of her. cold, that sho played very little part in the season. Ths outstanding star was Toti dal Monte. Whether in light opera, such as "Don Pasqualc," or in the heavier production, she was simply wonda-ful. Not only is she a queen of eong, but she is a great actress and the very embodiment of duntiness It, : s safe to eay that J'-e "ei-aon OLuld have run for another two or three nuntn a to pacued houses. <Jr.o or iw., oi the operas were broadcast, to tho delight of wireless enthusiasts.