TRIUMPH AGAIN

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 32, 1 November 1932, Page 10

TRIUMPH AGAIN

‘Rigoletto’ Presented by Grand Opera Company BRILLIANT SUCCESS “Rigoletto,” a grand opera by Verdi. Text by Plave. Cast — Il Duca <ll Mantova .... Primo Montanari lUgoletto Apollo Granforte Gilda Lina Pallughi Sparafncile Albino Marone .Maddalena Lina Biauehi Conte Monteronc Michele Fiore Last evening a very large and sincerely enthused audience was given a very special treat by the Imperial Grand Opera Company when Verdi’s famous opera “Rigoletto” was presented in an artistic manner by a splendid cast under the direction of Signor Wando Aldrovandi. “Rigoletto” is one of the most intriguing and popular of the Verdi gallery. In quality it ranges high above that composer’s earlier works, and points the way to the heights achieved later ir. “Aida,” “Falstaff,” and “Othello.” The opera is a lyric version of Victor Hugo’s drama “Le Roi S’amuse,” at the time a much-criticised theme, but one which has stood the test of time. “Rigoletto” is the opera, perhaps more than any other, which is never omitted from the Italian grand opera repertoire. On this occaswn the performance was made remarkable by the efforts of three artists of pre-eminent merit. The reference is to Signorina Lina Pallughi, a brilliant coloratura soprano, Signor Apollo Granforte, the finest operatic baritone heard in Wellington for a generation, and Signor Montanari, a sterling tenor. The combination of these three artists resulted in probably the finest performance of this work ever heard in New Zealand. Actors and Singers. To sustain the dramatic quality of the intense story of “Rigoletto,” the artists have to excel as actors as well as singers. But primarily it is the singing that counts, and the opera abounds with wonderful numbers. It will be impossible to forget the unsurpassable vocal excellence of Signoria Lina Pallughi singing the lovely “Caro Nome’; aria., Her clear bell-like voice, free from vibrato, and always so true, was artistically modulated to the many caressing beauties of the aria, and when she concluded with a sustained E flat in alt., ‘she adduced applause which held the progress of the opera up for three or four minutes.

That aria followed the equally charming love duet, “E. 11 sol delt’ Anima,” with the tenor, the “Veglia o Donua” duet with the baritone—three great numbers which make this act distinctive. Another especially fine effort was the famous quartet of the third act, the singing of which evoked a further outburst of prolonged applause.'

Indelible Impression.

Signor Apollo Granforte, who had only been heard here before in concerf, exercised his tremendous baritone voice and dramatic skill in the role of Rigoletto, the misshapen jester who under stress of tragic circumstance becomes a heart-broken father. He is concerned in almost every number, and the vigour of his vocalism and strength of his emotional acting left an indelible impression. Signor Primo Montanari gave a winning performance as the Duke of Mantua. He made an attractive and ardent lover, and sang the lilts, “Questa e Quella,” and “La Donna e Mobile” with a jovial freedom and ringing voice that won him the plaudits of the big audience. Signor Albino Marone, a splendid basso, sang and acted the role of Sparafucile with rugged force; Signor Michele Fiore was dignified as Comte Monterone; and Signorina Lina Bianchi sang the contralto role of Madaldlena.

“Rigoletto” has a rich orchestral score, and under Signor Aldrovandi a very clear-cut and vigorous conductor, the excellent orchestra was -heard to the very best advantage. Of its class it is one of the finest and best-balanced orchestras heard in association with opera in this country, and theatregoers should listen very carefully to its many 'excellencies. The opera was admirably mounted and picturesquely costumed. “Carmen” This Evening. The only evening performance of Bizet’s spectacular opera, “Carmen,” will be given by the company this 'evening, commencing at 7.50, with one of the outstanding easts of the season. One hundred and fifty people will take part in the performance. Bruna Castagna will make her first appearance in the title role. Castagna appeared no fewer than 22 times in this role in Australia. Pedro Mirassou. the fine dramatic tenor of the company, will appear in the important role of Don Jose, with the favourite baritone, Apollo Granforte. ns Escamillo. Other roles will be filled by Violet Rogers, Roy Glasheen. Michele Fiore, Gladys Carlyle, Carmen Mascagni, F. Mercadante, Ernest Gibb. The four scenes incude: A Pub-, lie Square, in Seville, A Wild Mountain Pass, Entrance to the Bull Ring, Seville. ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS , Interests of New President Mr. A. S. Burgess, of Wanganui, the newly-elected president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand, was born in Wanganui lu 1869 and educated in Wellington and Wanganui. He was employed with A. Hatrick and Co.. Ltd., in Wanga-

nui until 1028, when he started in business on his own account, founding A. S. Burgess and Co., Ltd., shipping and insurance agents. Mr. Burgess has been president of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce for the last two years, and a member of the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce since 1930. lie has served on the Wanganui City Council and is a member of the Wanganui Harbour Board, besides being president of both the Western Federated Aero Clubs and Wanganui Aero Club.