GONSALEZ GRAND OPERA SEASON.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15130, 26 January 1917, Page 6

GONSALEZ GRAND OPERA SEASON.

“IL TROVATORB.” TO-NIGHT. Under the direction of Ben, J., and John Puller, Ltd., a fine programme is announced for the season of the famous Gonsalez Grand Opera Company, commencing at the Opera House to-night. The season is limited to two nights, during which will be presented Verdi’s ever-popu-lar opera in four acts, “II Trovatore,” and Gounod’s immortal work, “Faust.” The company that will interpret the operas are, according to contemporary critics, an exceptionally fine coteries of artists, and include Signorinas De Revers, Natalie Russ, Teresina Vison, and Signors Cappelli, Scamuzzi, Cacialli, Filippini, Petrucci, and Balboni. Signor Cappelli (the golden voiced) will appear as Manrico, in “II Trovatore.”' Signor Cappelli is said to be one of the six finest lyric tenors in the world to-day, and is placed in a class with the great Caruso. Signor Balboni is also a tenor of high European reputation, his “Faust” being recognised as a performance of the greatest artistic and vocal merit. Signor Cacialli is a basso from the principal Continental opera houses. A remarkably fine baritone may be expected in Signor Vicollo Scamuzzi, while Signor Filippini is spoken of as being an unusually fine artist. Te prima donnas all come with the best of European reputations. As Ealonare in “II Trovatore” Signorina De Revers is well spoke nof, while Signorina Natalie Russ is acknowledged as one of the finest “Azucenas” of the operatic stage to-day. “FAUST.” TO-MORROW NIGHT. For to-morrow night is announced a presentation of “Faust.” The continued popularity of “Faust” was evidenced recently in Melbourne and Sydney by the abnormally large audiences that filled the theatres when the Gonsalez Company performed it. It is said that Signor Balboni makes a fine impression as “Faust.” The cast for the opera is as follows— Signor Balboni (Faust), Signor Filippini (Valentine), Signor Cacialli (Mephistopheles), Signor Mosca (Wagner), Signorina Visoni (Marguerite), Signorina Russ (Siebel). The overture will commence at 7.30. “CARMEN” MATINEE. TO-MORROW AFTERNOON. To-morrow afternoon at 2 o’clock Bizet’s ’’Carmen” will be presented. We need only say that music lovers have been given an opportunity of inviting themselves to what is a real feast of music, served by one of the most famous of musical organisations the world over. It is left for patrons to regale themselves in a generous manner with the regal fare provided. It is certain that on no previous occasion has the chance been offered to sample a fine musical dish served by such known grand opera chefs as Signors Giovanni and Ernesto Gonsalez.