WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 46

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

By Peteh Pan.

December 29. Dear "Pasquin,"—The Gonsalez Grand

Opera Company concluded it-s three weeks' season .'ast Saturday, during which timo it produced 10 operas. Taking the season right through, the public support was not commensurate with tho talent of tho company. Mind you, the audiences were large, but they should have been larger, as undoubtedly Wellington has never before had placed before it such a feast of music. No doubt the holiday time is not a good one for grand opera; but that is no excuse. The company was worthy of packed houses, and should have got the a. Despite this, it is to be hoped that Ben and John Fuller will see their wav to allow of a return season being played here. Ossipoff, the Russian baritone—and ho is "some" baritone, —also suffered because it was holiday time, and again by the fact that our true music-lovers were patronising the Grand Opera Company. At any other time Ossipoff would command full houses; but, sad to say, the houses were regrettably small. On New Year's Night wo aro to have another concert company, and it is to be hoped that it will fare better than the Ossipoff party, or Wellington will bo making a bad name for itself. John Hopkins is in charge of this party, which is headed by Se.linsky. a noted violinist, and John Amadio, one of tho best flautists in the world, and incidentally a native of Wellington. These two artists will be supported by Miss Elsie Trewcek, a soprano, who has previously made a name here, and Miss Jessie Masson, pianist. This concert party came across to Auckland by the Makura, and a concert bv them in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund realised the handsome sum of £53 10s.

Boxing Night saw the Grand Opera House packed to overflowing for the first night of Williamson's Musical Comedy Co. in "So Long, Letty," a piece of frivol more suited to the temperament of the public at this stage of tho year. Tomorrow night " To-night's tho Night" will be subniittcd. " Oot" Brunton received an uproarious welcome, as did Miss Connie Edi&S, who was making her first appearance in New Zealand. Clement May gave a Christmas recital at tho Opera House on Christmas Night, and was rewarded with a capital attendance. He was assisted by Hamilton Hodges and Miss Eileen Driscoil. His Majesty's has received all tho patronage it wants during tho holiday time. The big theatre has been packed nightly, and the faro offered has been of the best". "Lang may your lum reek," "Pasquin."