"AIDA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 8

"AIDA”

Sir, —- Recently I wrote in this column on the production of “Aida” and to the effect that I considered the conductor to be taking a big risk in endeavouring to produce an, opera which requires such a splendid orchestral and choral complement and also that I thought he would have great difficulty in procuring the dramatic artists which the various roles call for. lam inclined to think that we are likely to have a repetition of the work in former operatic productions given by the Choral Society and should this be so we would like to ask the conductor one question: “Why, when there is such a repertoire of operas as ‘La Boheme,’ ‘Tosca,’ ‘Madame Butterfly,’ etc (which are decidedly easier to produce and which, in view of their popularily, would be sure to enjoy a great success), did he, knowing himself to be so heavily handicapped, aspire to an opera of the colossal importance of ‘Aida,’ which is most assuredly a difficult undertaking for the majority of the krtists?” But this, of course, is just impartial criticism. Despite my forebodings, I most sincerely desire to see the production a success. DIAVOLO.