GONSALEZ GRAND ITALIAN OPERA COMPANY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15128, 24 January 1917, Page 7

GONSALEZ GRAND ITALIAN OPERA COMPANY.

A DISTINGUISHED ORGANISATION,; “IL TBOVATOBE.” If heavy advance booking ’is to be taken as a criterion, the season of the. Gonsalez Grand Opera Company should' prove an astonishing success. The season of two nights and a matinee will commence on Friday next with the production of “II Trovatore,” an opera that will probably live for ever in the hearts of the musical public. That the cast, that will interpret the ophra comes with an extraordinarily, good artistic reputation will detract nothing from the widespread interest that is neing evinced in the visit of the Gonsalez company. It is certain that no tenor of grand opera calibre has been heard here superior to Signor Bettino Cappelli. Again, Signor Scamuzzi is admitted to bo one of tho very finest baritones of the operatic stage to-day, while Signor Guido Cacialli is a basso of exceptional quality. It ia' affirmed that not within a decade has there been an interpretation of “Leonora” to compare with that of Signorina De Revers, while Signorina Russ is recognised as the finest impersonator of “Azucena.” The overture for “II Trovatore” will commence at 8 sharp. It .is earnestly desired by the management that patrons will be seated before the overture begins. The box plans for the season are now open. “FAUST.” “Faust,” 100, on Saturday night, will have what appears to be a great cast. Signor Balboui, a tenor in the same distinguished class as Signor Cappelli, will be seen aS Faust, Signorina Vieoni as Marguerite, Signor Hllippini as Valentine, and Signor Cascialli as Mephistopheles. “II Trovatore” will be given on the first night and “Faust” on the last-night of the season. The overture to “Faust” will commence at 7.30 sharp. • “CABMEN.” A special matinee performance will he given on Saturday' afternoon next of Bizet’s melodious opera “Carmep,” with another phenomenal cast. Signorina Buss will appear as Carmen, with Signorina Visoni as Michaela; Signor Bettino will be the Jose and Signor Vittorio .Scamuzzi the Eecamillo. It would appear that in the coming season the Gonsalez company axe giving Wanganui the three most popular operas in their repertoire of 90 works. It is stated that the expense of doing so is very heavy, and that it is only by the generous patronage of the public that a financial loss can b© obviated. The children will be admitted to the matinee, at half-price, except to the pit.