“IL TROVATORE”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21994, 1 July 1933, Page 7

“IL TROVATORE”

In His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday next and for the following three nights, the favourite opera, “II Trovatore,” will be presented by the Grand Opera Club of Dunedin. The club has spared no effort to make this production really first rate, and has been fortunate in being able to secure such outstanding soloists. Miss Gayuor Paapc is a young singer with a voice of beautifully soft quality and wide range. Added to this is a natural ease of acting, and a fine stage appearance which is so essential for Leonora, and as Mr Hubert Carter, the accomplished Christchurch' tenor, is to be Manrico, such scenes as “ The Miserere ” and other favourites should be given in a way that will make them a living memory. Mr Carter is a favourite wherever he has sung, and his extensive training and experience in the Old World have put that finish to his magnificent voice that make him a line opera artist. It is interesting to note that Mr Carter has been producing operatic work in Christchurch recently. The Count of Mr Arthur Macdonald is, as is to be expected, strong, virile, and dominating. Miss Phyllis Clare, who will take the part of Azucena on the first and final nights, is entering into the character with real histrionic insight, while Miss Jess M‘Millan, Azucena on Thursday and Friday nights, has a voice of beautifully rounded quality. Mr M'Dowell, as Ferrando, has the very important opening scene, and his fine bass voice and clear diction fill the role with dignity. To these soloists, and Miss Dorothy Mackay. Miss Mary Belcher. Mr E. Paris, Mr J. B. Watt, a splendid ballet from the B-ena Clavering School of Dancing (Miss M. Tuckwell, principal), a chorus of unusual strength, gay, and colourful costuming, and special scenery, it can bo seen that a fine night’s entertainment is assured. A first-class orchestra, and six drummers for the “ Soldiers’ Chorus,” have had excellent rehearsals, Mr Alfred Walmsley conducting.