SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3037, 21 March 1881, Page 3

SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

THE BOHEMIAN GIRL. On Saturday evening tbe Opera Company again played to a good house. " The Bohemian Girl" is a favorite with many opera-goers, but its rendering on Saturday night, although good on the whole, was not altogether satisfactory. # The chorus did not go well together in the first portion of the performance, but improved greatly as the opera proceeded. Miss Martina Simonseu as Arline sang admirably, and was thoroughly appreciated. Her rendering of " I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls" was remarkably good, end received a well-merited encore. Signor Bianchi as Thaddeus was well received, and his singing of " When other lips " deserved all the approbation bestowed upon it. Mr St. Clair as Count Arnheim sang and played carefully, and his singing of " The heart bowed down" was all that could be desired. Miss Carrie Godfrey made a very good Gipsy Queen, and Mr Wentworth was quaint and successful as Devilshoof. Mr Cram was not in his element at Florenstein; the character did not suit him, and there was a tendency to exaggeration. The chorus gave the prayer in the first act admirably, and the chorus "In the gipsy's life " was well done. Taken as a whole the opera was enjoyable. To-night Donizetti's tragic opera' "Lucrezia Borgia" will be produced, and as both Signors Riccardi and Paladini appear to support Madame and Miss Lenora Simonsen a musical treat may be expected. SACKED CONCERT. Last night the company gave a grand sacred concert in the presence of a large audience. The first part of the programme was devoted to Rossini's " Stabat Mater," and it is a long time since the music lovers of Napier had such a treat as the rendering of this masterpiece last night. The solos, etc., were sustained by Madame Simonsen, Miss Godfrey, Signor Riccardi, and Signor Pallidini, and were given with all the care and power expected from such artists. The choruses were well rendered. The The second part of the programme was devoted to selections from the oratorios and masses by the great masters. The parf commenced with " Tan turn ergo" by Mr St. Clair, and it was given with a care and finish which that gentleman always bestowes upon whatever he sings. The hymn, " Praise to the Lord," by Madame Simonsen, accompanied by Mr Simonsen on the violin, and Mr Delancy on the piano, was splendidly given, as was " Thus Saith the Lord" from the " Messiah" by Signor Riccardi. The aria " O Rest in the Lord" from "Elijah" was beautifully rendered by Miss Lenora Simonsen, and made many present regret lhat they had not heard more of this talented vocalist during the performances of last week. The violin solo by Mr Simonsen was, of course, enjoyable. A more thorough master of the instrument it has not been our pleasure to listen to in this colouy, and it is to be hoped that before the company leave Napier other opportunities of a similiar treat will be afforded. The first appearance of Signor Luisette was not altogether free from disappointment, but we feel sure that ho will improve on further acquaintance. The " Hallelujah Chorus " brought the concert to a close, and it was given with a vigor and precision which we have rarely heard excelled.