THE LOVDON OPERA SEASON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2525, 6 August 1902, Page 63

THE LOVDON OPERA SEASON.

The operas are the gilded entertainment of the richest groups, in London, and the v. ishes of these patrons are accurately diagnosed by the mo<-t aiistocratic and wealthy syndicate in London.

It is leally a social function, in which the poor, however musical, cannot participate except under some discomfoit. On the other band, it is provoking to musician> to witnii= s the inattentive languor with which the greatest voiat effort* are received.

From every box: can be scon as fine a paiade <>f diamond-* as is t o b e found In the window of a Bond .street jeweller. E-ich box holds a little qfstene ben: on obpeivation and small talk. Men pay calls to the ladies of their iuquaintdnee who lease boxes and occasionally fcit m the smoking lounge through the music of ;>n entire act.

All this doe? not corduce to making a national op?ro, out of the present entertainmtnt ai C'ovent Garden.

On the other hand, there could be no successful national opeia in opposition to it. The way in which club men lounge about the re-decorated theatre much surpiises foreigners, and to hear intelligent criticism in ;t 11 entr'acte is to listen to the' view% of

s>trav visitors

The votaries of one tenor or another pinna donna will have nothing to say appreciative of the notes of an opposing singer.

And over all presides Lady de Grey, stately, beautiful, and lmDib^ive, the Juno of the opera, and one of the loveliest and moft accomplished women in Europe ; indeed, vo wonderful and so impressive that no one marveFs that vre all bow to her opinions. — London correspondent of the Livernool Post.