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Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2060, 11 December 1869, Page 2

Theatrical. — The Argus says that it will be heard with the utmost satisfaction, that letters have been received by the mail from Mr W. S. Lyster, announcing that he has at length succeeded in engaging an operatic company of first-class artistes for the Australian colonies. The names of the artistes, as given by Mr Lyster, are as follow Prima donna (soprano), Signora Lucia Barratti; prima donna (contralto), Miss Lucy Chambers ; primo tenore, Signor Mariano Neri; primo baritono, Signor Enrico Dondi. “The prima donna, La Barratti,” says Mr Lyster, “is young, ju-t beginning her career, with the most voice, I think, I ever heard— and very powerful. The tenor (Signor Neri) is a wellknown man, and has sung two seasons at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London. He is brother in-law to Mongini, and considered by many quite as good. The baritone has a splendid voice and is a first-rate art'st. The basso in also very good, and has the additional advantage of being a very handsome young roan.” Of Miss Chambers, whoso successful career in England, Italy, and Spain has procured for her a wide reputation, it is almost unnecessary to speak. Mr Lyster, however, acknowledges, in very grateful terms, his obligations tp her, as also to Signor Bertjlini, the baritone, and Mdle. De Antoni, the wife of the basso of the Devoti troupe, for the valuable assistance they gave him during his negotiations with the leading artists of his company. Signora Barratti, her father, Miss Chambers, and Signor Dondi, were expected to sail, in the Yorkshire on the 25th October, but owing to engagements, Signors Neri and ; Mari-Cornia, and Mr Lyster, would not be j able to leave until the December mail. Mr /

Smith, of the firm of Lyster and Smith, has received advices by the mail just arrived that another troupe of Japanese gymnasts and conjurors, more wonderful than the last, will arrive in Melbourne, under engagement to them, about the beginning of the new year. At the date of Mr Kirby’s letter, Oct. S, the troupe were awaiting the deEarture of a vessel for Australia, and it is elieved that they will reach Victoria in January.—Mr Batchelder, the proprietor of the dioramas which recently visited Dunedin, has sold “ The American War. ” In Shortland he is erecting a bijou theatre.