GRAND OPERA

Southland Times, Issue 21854, 3 November 1932, Page 9

GRAND OPERA

NOTED ITALIAN ARTISTS. VISIT OF THE MAROTTAS. * Grand opera is heard so ’infrequently in this part of the world, that the opportunity to hear artists of established repute, still in the heydey of their artistic power is welcomed, and so the visit of Signor Nino Marotta and his wife must be regarded as a musical event. Signor Marotta is well-known in Australia, because he appeared there as leading basso with the great Williamson Grand Opera Company, which, unfortunately, did not visit the Dominion. His splendid performances there established him as one of the outstanding artists of the company. This was expected because he had already made a name for himself in Italy. After his Australian successes he returned to Europe and appeared in leading roles at Milan, as well as in Vienna, Paris and Berlin. He has also been leading basso in opera at Buenos Aires. Signor Marotta appeared with such artists as Caruso, ’’enatello, Baloffi and Ruffo, and his repertory includes the principal bass parts in “Aida,” “Iris,” “The Barber of ' Seville,” “Rigoletto,” “Mignon,” “The Damnation of Faust,” “Manon,” “La Givconda,” “Il Trovatore,” “William Tell.” He has been billed as the “Chaliapine” of Italy in recognition of his powerful interpretations. He is a young man and a happy chance made this concert tour of NewZealand possible, in company with his wife, Signora Yvonne Marotta, a soprano, whose beautiful voice was hailed as golden by the leading critics of Italy. Her performance of Mimi in “La Boheme” was described by the “Solo” as “passionate, vibrate and very human” and she was hailed as “an admirable artist who knows how to commend the stage.” These two artists will give a recital of gems from the operas on Monday at the Civic Theatre, a recital of decided interest to all music lovers since it will give them s the chance to hear singers of assured standing in the operatic world. They will be assisted by Mr Richard Maunder, violinist, and Mrs Stuart Cunningham, who is the accompanist. The box plan is open at the Bristol.