GRAND OPERA ENDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 238, 8 October 1928, Page 3

GRAND OPERA ENDS.

RETURNING IN DECEMBER. ANNUAL SEASON PROMISED. The final performance of the grand opera season at the St. James' Theatre was given on Saturday night, when there was « crowded and delighted audience to witness the repeat presentation of "Un Ballo in Maschera." The evening had the features of a gala night, and was a fitting wind-up of a phenomenally successful season. At the conclusion of the performanoe Signer Giuseppe Gonsalez, through Signor A. Folli, thanked Auckland for the wonderful support given his company. Sir Benjamin Fuller said there would be grand opera annually in New Zealand under management, and he was endeavouring to make arrangements for the present company to return for a week in December at St. James' Theatre. It was then hoped to present "Cavalleria Rustieana," '*T Pagliam" and "La Boheme." With the audience, he owed a debt of thanks to every member of the company. They would all follow their future careen with interest. Most of the singers wece young, and he predicted it would not be long before some of them were appearing regularly at La Scala Theatre in Milan, or the Metropolitan Opera House, Xew York. At Sir Benjamin's invitation each of the principals taking part in the final opera came forward and said a few appropriate words.