THE OPERA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 330, 2 December 1864, Page 4

THE OPERA.

Last night gave a good opportunity to the admirers of l/onizetti—and their name is legion —to enjoy two of his most esteemed works in totally diverse styles " Lucrezia" and " Don I'asquule." It was the first experiment the management has made in playing a double opera on the same night, and we are happy to record that it was so far successful as to have attracted a somewhat better house llian we have latchbeen accustomed to see. The serious opera went infinite!}' belter than on its first performance at the opening of the musical season, both Madame Escott and Mr. Squires singing with even more than their accustomed spirit. The final death scene between them was most aficctingly executed by both, and the JSrhidixa of Miss H odson. secured its inevitable encore. The singers were called before the curtain at the end of the piece lo receive the congratulations of the audience. " Doll Pasquale " which followed is an admirable exponent of " Donizetti's gayer style, and was admirable rendered by Mr. E.Lyster, as the Don, in which his fine rich voice was heard with great elicit. Mr. Wharton,as Dr. Malatesta. also sung splendidly, Mr. Beaumont as Ernest, and Mdllc. Durand as Norine. The two hitter exerted themselves most successfully, playing into each others hands with much tact and gaiety and completely charming their audience. The " Summer .Night" serenade with its guitar accompaniment and the delicious vottonno that followed, accomplished the success that inraritably attends these charming melodies. To-night, is to be a special night, under the patronage of the Colonel and Officers of the .Royal Engineers and l.oyal Aartil- | liey. for whose delectation, perhaps the most ambitious effort the company have made in Auckland is to be essayed, the production of the great historical rhcj'd' o'tivrv of Mevbcer's •' L es Huguenots" in which the tremendous events that followed the revocation of the edict of Nantes are set to themost exciting and characteristic music.