OPERATIC CARNIVAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10597, 18 February 1896, Page 6

OPERATIC CARNIVAL.

. The Dunedin Citizens' Band's operatic carnival, for which extensive arrangements have been for some months in progrcis, was opened in the Garrison Hall last evening. It was generally known that Signpr Boczoai, who had charge of the spectacular portion of the proceedings at the carnival, had devised several novelties for it, and the success whioh had attended his efforts at the two other bazaars with which he has recently been connected, and the knowledge that the opening tableaux and dances under his direction would ba well worth witnessing, induced a large attendance of the public at an early hour, the gallery being filled shortly after the opening of the doors. The hoar at which the opening was to have taken place was long passed when the siring orchestra—a numerous and efficient combination, including many insmbers of the Citizens' Band—struck up, and, on a signal from Signor Borzoni, the curtains in front of the stage were drawn asunder aad a wealth of colour was revealed—all tha stallholders and their assistants and the dancing boys and girls being massed together on the stage. Those engaged at the various otalla wore distinctive costumes, representing characters in popular operas, and the blending of the colours of the dresses ou tha stage had an exceedingly pretty effect, which was heightened by the profusion 'of flowers—raal and artificial—carried by the dsneera and by s number of Chinnse lanterns. This tableau, which evoked general applause, was followed by what was described as a grand spectacular valae, entitled " A Study in Light and Flowers." This was danced in the body of the hall and furnished an altogether novel and remarkably effective sight. li is impossible to deecribe the dunce, which included numerous fantastic and pretty evolutions, all executed with marked precision, that broke off occasionally into the waltz proper and terminated in something very like a huge Maypole dance. The waltz music that was provided is said to have been not previounly performed in the colonies. It was very inviting, and as the comely laseei engaged in it treaded the measure to it there must have been many amoDg the spectators who would hare gladly joined in. The whole of the introductory dancing was ingeniously devised and admirably executed, the arrangement of it reflecting great credit upon Signor Borzoni, the composer and director, and the manner in which it was performed beiDg creditable to all concerned.

His Worship the Matoe, in opening the proceedings said: — Ladies and Gentlemen, — Since accepting the invitation of the Citizen?' Band to open their carnival, I have been trying to think of something suitable to say; but I must admit that the divine afflatus sad readiness of utterance which characterised ray predecessor in the mayoral office on such occasions as thit, bavo noli fallen upon me. However, I am glad to .think, for I am sura it will be go, that you will nob permit this carnival to fail of success, or the Citizens' Baud to lose because of the paucity of my remark?. If you will only view these stalls you will sen there displayed goods of value, virtu, and u«efulue*s, and then I am bum, you will open your/hearts and your pockets and buy, and that'yoii will be still more inolined to do so when I tell you that, as I have been assured, all these goods which you here see so> neatly arid well displayed, [ have been made by ladies who, from i their own good will towards the band, have for a long time with thair own hands been providing for this occasion. You. will still further be induced to buy, becauae, no doubt, you admire the band, aud many in the audience that probably admire tbe ladies who hive on this occasion come to the assistance of the Citizens' Band. ' There are also • other reasons why you should give your help. This band has been in existence for ooiy about two | years, but daring that time ample proof has j been given o£ ita usefulness, and were its i existence not to continue it would bo | very much missed. The members of the band of their own accord have freely ! and gratuitously assisted many charitable objects, and it has frequently played in the j open air at the Octagon aud in other places for the entertainment and delight of the citizens. I have always listened to them' with pleasure, and havo soon others listening to them in such j numbers and with such evident pleasure as to give proof that the members of the band have been well trained and ably I conducted by Signer Squariss, who is their teacher and conductor. — (Applause.) The perfection to which they have been brought is shown by the music to-night, for the orchestra consists of only a portion of the band. Altogether the band numbers 34 musicians, and six or more recruits are in training to join it, so that ultimately the band will be 40 or SO strong. Considerable foresight and wisdom has been shown in arranging that this carnival shonld take place daring race week, so that a number of visitors may have the pleasure of seeing it and be privileged to contribute to its snccess. For that I think the management deserve credit. The money .which is to be raised is required in part for the purchase of new uniforms, and you will all, I think, admit that, next to good music, few things please more than a. neat and natty uniform. I trust you will enable the band to get these uniforms. Money is also required for additional instruments becauss of the. increasing number of the band, and for thia purpose also I trust you will, * contribute liberally. — (Applause.) I do not know, ladies and gentlemen, that I need delay you longer, for I see the fair occupant* of the stalls are waiting ready to take your cash, and it is only wanted that you should come here to enable these ladies to pounce upon yoa and drain your pockets. I think, however, it would not be right of me to conclude on this occasion without saying a word in praise of Signor Borzoni, who Jsus trained those who have taken part in these dances.—(Applause.) I was going to say that very rarely have the citizens of Dunedin had an opportunity of witnessing such a display as we have seen this evening, bat I think I may say that never, in my experience, at least, hays we seen so effective a display.—(Loud applamo.) I think I have said enough, and I have-now much pleasure in declaring this carnival open for business.— (Applause.) Some further dancing followed the opening address. A Neapolitan tarantella was given by 24 of the children, a pas a quatre was danced by Misses Alico M'Nair, Gertie Bland, Minnie Patter6on, and Jessie Gray; a Spanish bolero was given by Mis» Katie Bland and Master Bartie Scobiu, and a polka was danced by a large numbar of children, each of these being well rendered and greatly appreciated. At a later stage of the evening the Citizens' Baud, taking up their position at stands in front of the refreshment stall, performed a descriptive composition by their condactor, Signor Squarise. This was entitled " The Battle of Sedan,"' and was full of suggestive colouring, particularly in the movement discriptive of the battle itself, which was bb reasonably realistic as a mnsical description of such an event could well be. The performance wan illustrated by limolight views, shown by Mr F. "VV. Simms on a screen on the stage. g The articles at the stalls were of that diverjo character which oub usually finds at a bazaar. Nearly everything that one could tuink of iv the way of household furnishings in all sorts of materials was there; and plain sewing, fancy goods, and works of art were piled upon the stalls in greab variety. Xhe following is a list of the stallholder :— Opera "Fabian"—Mrs Gillies, assisted by Misses Reinheart (Drusilla). Mary (jameron (Marcella), Dougall, Joeey, Sandlands, Gillies, M. .Tosey, Jeffs, Pollock, Gallagher, Mitchell, and Kane. Opera "Mam'aelle Nitouche "—Miss Rickard, assisted by Missas Nicol, M. Nicol, Wall, Sims, L. Rickard, K. Rickard, Neill, Webb, Gregory, and O'Laary (actresses). Opera " Paul Jones "—Miss A. Le Brun (ohopinette), assisted by Misses L. Connor (Yvonne), Mackay, Lichtensteiu. Pirie, Yntes (2), Hawkins (2), Black, and Watsun (ballet girls). Opera " Gondoliers "—Miss W. Flint, assisted ■by Misses D. Fraser, M. Fraser, M. M'Nair, L. M'Nair, M. Fulton. N. Marshall, M. Crawfurrf, N. Stewart, A. Macfie, Sutherland, Flint, Malkck, and Mrs Ross. ■ • . Opera " Dorothy "-Misseß Brigg3, assisted by Misses L. Brings (Dorothy), Metz (Lidy Betty), L. A. Briggs, M. Gunning, Grant, M'Farlane, Naumann, Watson. Robertson (peasant eirls), Brings, E. Briggs, Nind, Kewton, Banning, Stone, Laing, and Weitzel. Opera " Pirates of Penzance "—Mrs R. Collier, assisted by Misses Townsend (Ruth), M. Esgers (Mabel), D. E'gers, Y. Swan. Anderson. Lambert, Simmons, (chorus girls), Hannan (3), Aitkeu, and Broom. Opera" Ma Mie Rosette" (refreshment stall)Mikr K. Swan, assisted by Misses A. Swan, K. Mtiir, N. Mulr, B. Lichtenstein, A. Bush, E. Bush, M'Phorson, H. Mendelsohn, B. Mendelsohn, Mutimer, and M'Parlane. Flower Stall-Miss JC. La Brun (principal lady), Mr E. Criwford (head florist), Mr V. Robertshaw (assistant florist), a«sisted by Misses L. Morton, Smith, Holland, Martin, Roberts, Lawrence, Taylor, Connor, and Adu Le Brun. The fernery, which is the side-ahow in connection with the carnival, is a decided novelty,; being the first one introduced in any entertainment here sines the one that was built for the exhibition. It also represents taste, skill, and industry on the part of members of the band by whom it has been planned and constructed. Although necessarily not of large extent it contains a very large collection of beautiful ferns of great variety, a fountain, a miniatnre watorfall, rockeries, and statuary, including very good statuettes of the Rev. Dr Stuart and Bishop Moran. A mandoline band is to supply appropriate music, and the cool fairy-like bower should frame one of the principal attractions of a novel and strikingly picturesque carnival.