TOWN HALL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1481, 12 September 1918, Page 32

TOWN HALL.

CAPPELLI. RETURN OF THE FAMOUS ITALIAN TENOR. Within the last decade we have had visits from many distinguished singers, but few of them have been accorded a heartier reception than Cappelli, the famous Italian operatic tenor, who is announced to give two farewell concerts in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Saturday and Monday evenings next. It is the unanimous opinion of musical critics throughout the Dominion that no finer artist has ever favoured us with a visit, and the following from the Dunedin “Evening Star” will be of interest: —“The Cappelli season was brought to a close on Saturday evening at the Burns Hall, which was filled with an audience who in point of view of enthusiasm equalled or possibly surpassed those who had listened to the famous tenor at His Majesty’s Theatre. Indeed, at the end of the concert Signor Cappelli, after responding to a,triple encore, had to again and again bow his acknowledgments to the applause and cheers which rang through the hall. It was a remarkable demonstration, and indicated the appreciation and thanks which Dunedin concert goers wished to express to him and his company for the treat they had given them. Floral favours were handed to each of the singers during the evening, Cappelli’s being a laurel wreath with streamers of Italy’s national colours. The tenor sang no fewer than nine songs, each of them eliciting storms of applause. Signor Lucien Cesaroni, the popular basso, was also in form, and was obliged to supplement his programme items by two others on each appearance. The entrancing * music which Mr. John Amadio produced from his flute kept everyone spellbound until the last note died away, when the applause broke loose and the inevitable encore resulted. Miss Natalina McCallum, the brilliant young soprano, was also the recipient of a most flattering reception, and had to add additional numbers ere the audience would allow her to leave the platform. Mr. Harold Whittle’s artistry as an accompanist is undeniable, and his presence at the piano adds much to the enjoyment of the concerts.” Similar laudatory notices have appeared in the press of every city and town where Cappelli has appeared. The tour of the Dominion has been one continuous success, and the very great impression Cappelli made on his first visit to Auckland will no doubt ensure him a hearty welcome on his re-appearance on Saturday night. The box plans for the two concerts are now open at Wildman and Arey’s.