GONSALEZ GRAND ITALIAN OPERA COMPANY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15127, 23 January 1917, Page 6

GONSALEZ GRAND ITALIAN OPERA COMPANY.

IL (TROVATORE. The box plans for the two night per-* formanpes and next Saturday’s matte nee (“Carmen”) were -opened at H- I. Jones and Son’s this morning. Judging by the booking; the success of the-, Gonsalez grand opera season should be assured. There is always a musical tonic in the opening of a grand opera season, and tne coming of so famous a lyrical organisation as the Gonsalez company, which is to appear for a season of two rights at the Opera House, commencing Friday next, has seemingly once again revived the love of musical compositions in N.Z. The Gonsalez company commence? on Friday with the performance of “H Trovatore.” This opera is unfailingly popular, and the reception given to it is evidence irrefutable that it still possesses a large measure of its original popularity. It is said a wonderful success is made by Signor Bettino Cappelli as “Manric.” Signor Cappelli is said to have a voice of abundant richness, and sings in the higher register with great power and astonishing ease. Signorina Da Rovers is claimed fo be an “Eleanore” of an ideal type, and Signorina P„uss a perfect “Azucena-” A gifted and resonant baritone may be expected in Signor Scazmuzzi, as the wicked ‘‘Conte di Luna,” while Signor Cacialli is reputed/to be a fine, convincing “Ferrente.” A splenclidlv efficient orchestra under the baton of Signor Gonsalez, with the famous, solo violinist, Mr S. De Tarczynski as leader, is quoted as one of the prime attractions of this highly attractive entertainment. FAUST. “Faust” will be given on Saturday night with a fine cast. As “Faust” Signor Balboai will make his first appearance here. New artists will also be found in Signorina Visoni and Signor Filippini, as “Marguerite” and “Valentine” respectively. Signor Cacialli will b© cast as * Mephistophelcs, 5 and Signorina Russ as “Seibel. ’ It is 24 years since grand opera in Italian was given here. The curtain will rise on “Faust” at 7.30 • The fascination attached to Gounod’s brilliant opera would appear never to wither. Its melodies are known world-wide—the mystery and weirdness of the story, the strong delineation of the characters and the glamour of the period in which the opera is placed—are all powerful accessories to success. CARMEN. Yet another favourite will be presented on Saturday afternoon in the shape of “Carmen.” Of Bizet’s great opera it has been said that “no composer has ever surpassed this gifted Frenchman in the making of supremely beautiful melodies.” “Carmen” will have the benefit of a splendid cast. Signosina Russ is said to be one of the finest “Carmens” of the dav. _ Signor Cappell i” should be a “Jose’’ to the Me, while nature has endowed Signor kcamuzzi liberally with both voice and figure for the dashing bull fighter, “Escamillo.” Youthful and fascinating Signorina Visoni should prove an ideal “Michaela.” Children to the matinee will be admitted at half-price, except to the pit- The specially fine orchestra will be under the direction of Signor Gonsalez. ■