GRAND OPERA SEASON

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7140, 30 May 1910, Page 8

GRAND OPERA SEASON

"CARMEN." A BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE. Tho change from the more modern Puccini school to that of the earlier French operatic atu.csphrre enable d patrons of the present grand opera reason to institute pleasant comparisons, besides gauging tho merits of the performers in musical work of a different kind. Let it bo said at once that “Carmen,” with its romantic setting and its grand music, much c? which has become classic, as staged on Saturday night charmed everyone. The Opera Household an audience that crowded all xmrts. Patrons will never tire of these performani'cs whilst they are presented with such consummate art. Some of the principal solo--, which tradition associates with the names of the greatest European and English stars, notably Calve, Melba, and Jean dc Resko. are so beautiful that it was indeed a pleasure to sit and hear Bizet’s masterpiece so perfectly handled. The company scored another distinct triumph, viewed from both mu./lcal and dramatic standpoint. Above- it all stood out boldly the masterly controlling influence of Signor iiazon and his magnificent orchestra, who, particularly in tho second and third acts, accomplished work of a nature that must bo elated amongst the finest ever heard in tho Southern Seas. Many “Carmens” have been seen out here—good and indifferent— but none have readied the high standard attained on Saturday evening. There was. of course, Siiuoiisenh venture of considerably over a decade ago, which came* to such a lamentable end in Dunedin, but they sang in Italian, ami the orchestra then was not com para bio with that of to-day. It is this feature* which appeals s-o strongly to tho lover of grand opera, and anj' dramatic dibit of individual performers which may perhaps appear weak by comparison is relieved by the grandeur of the music which a full orchestra so brilliantly interprets. Rarely a season of grand opera passes in Continental centres without a revival of “Carmen,” proof of its great popularity. Its revival kero is indeed welcome- Most operatic artists of the first flight essay "Carmen” just as the Shakespearian actor feels that his round of characters has not been completed, and his ambition satisfied, until ho has a pea red as Hamlet. Then, tradition is challenged The Carmen of Mdllo Del Sorcl is one of those rare operatic portraitures that stamps her as an artist of exceptional talents. Histrionically, it is of a high standard, for she imparts the true dramatic instinct to tho central figure, and heir fine lyric gifts enable her to do adequate justice to the call made* upon her in a heavy role. In the earlier scenes, with all their brightness and pleasing colouring, tho petulant, wayward gipsy is given many opportunitiesto wound men’s hearts, and her coquettish efforts'were presented with a faithfulness that showed she had given tho requisite study to a phase of the part which in less - skilful hands might be easily overdone. She executed th© florid music associated with this side of tho character iu dazzling fashion. By why of contrast was- the tragic force displayed in tho closing scenes, when she is punished by a forsaken lover for her heartless cruelty. The audience recognised the merits of a thrilling performance. There was unbounded enthusiasm in token of appreciation. If Mini! in "La Bohome” gave Signonha Pampari scope for quiet, effective acting and sweet singing, Michaela in “Carmen” afforded her an equal chance of efficiently interpreting a class of character which she seems singularly gifted to -pourtray. Michaela is a loveable part, which Signorina Pampari invested with a poetic beauty that appealed very favourably to those who so enjoyed the delightful freshness pf her singing. The two gypsies. Miss Rosina Buckmann and Miss Mabel Batchelor, gave excellent support in minor roles, the singing of both being high-class. Don Jose gives an operatic tenor fin© opportunities. This was filled by Mr Frederick Blarney, who gave a thoroughly capable representation, of the amorous brigadier. His rich voice was heard at its best in the various solos which fall to his share. In the last act the more tragic music was very artistically rendered, and he quite rose to the* demands made on his voice. Tho famous part of the Toreador Escamillo was entrusted to Mr Antonio Zanelli, the Marcel in “La 80-heme.” He has only one solo of outstanding prominence, th© celebrated “Toreador,” which was given with power and dramatic feeling. He was enthusiastically encored. Especially -noteworthy during this scene was the splendid orchestration, Signor Hazon sharing in the plaudits which were so unreservedly bestowed. Messrs Rufus Ferguson (Dancairo), Edward Wynn (Remendado), Orme Darvall (Zuniga), and Fergusson > Allan (Morales) aided in the success which th© company attained in what may be termed a remarkable production. The chorus, particularly in the second act, acquitted itself with great credit. The scenic beauties of the opera drew forth the heartiest commendation, " Carmen ” is to bo repeated to-night.

"LA BOHEME" TO-MOEEOW NIGHT. The second production of Puccini’s delightfully melodious opera "La Boheme'’ will be given tomorrow evening, when fSiguorina Maria Pampari will repeat .her charming performance of Mimi. The cast will again include Signor Zcrga, whose fine tenor voice blended so exquisitely with Signorina Pampari's soprano. Signor Zanelli's fine impersonation of the artist, together with Messrs Arthur Crane, Edward Wynn, Orme Darvall, and Fergusson Allan, also. Miss Margaret Batchelor, will all contribute towards another fine production.

The courteous action of Signor Hazon in asking Mr Alfred Hill to conduct tlio last performance (on Wednesday night) of “Madam Butterfly,” when, Miss Amy Castles will make her farewell appearance in Wellington as Cho Cho San, promises to provide a most interesting occasion. The following have granted their patronage: —Sir Joseph Ward, Mr A H. Miles, Mr J. Maughan Barnett, Mr Spencer Lorraine, Mr Lawrence F. Watkins, the Musical Union, Orchestral Society, Liodertafel, Choral Society, and the Savage Cluh. Special seats in the dress circle are already available, which wili afford all the above an opportumty to obtain seats together.