"MADAM BUTTERFLY."

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 832, 2 June 1910, Page 5

"MADAM BUTTERFLY."

ME. ALFBED HILL WITH THE BATON. There was a good deal more significance in last evening's performance of Puccini's beautiful opern "Madam Butterfly" than the casual tlieatre-goer might realise. In a way it was a special night, inasmuch as most of the talent called for in. the performance of the opera was drawn from, either Australia or New Zealand. This gave rise to the thought that the time is not perhaps so very remote when Australasia may be sufficiently advanced musically to provide grand opera of native growth so far as the performance is concerned. New Zealand cannot hope, to achieve such greatness for a decade or two, but last evening's production is living proof that this little country might be-at least helpful in aiding Australia in such an achievement as suggested. All who o.re interested in music in its higher forms are aware that llr. Alfred Hill holds a very high place as a musician, conductor, and composer, and the fact that Signor Hazon was gracious enough to hand the baton to Mr. Hill last evening is evidence that the Italian maestro holds a high opinion of Sir. Hill's capacity. It was exceedingly gratifying to ail present to witness the Wellingtonian in command. Th.it he would uphold the honour thrust upon him worthily was expected; that he did so there were no two opinions. Without being unduly demonstrative Mr. Hill threw his native magnetism into his work, and, though conducting from a vocal score only, showed a masterful acquaintance with the exact duty of every. instrument in the baud, and also with every shade and nuance in Puccini's beautiful music. The audience demonstrated it's enthusiastic approval at the end of the first net, and at the close of the opera, when at the behest of Miss Amy Castles, he appeared on the stage to take the repeated calls with the principals. . ■ ■ To hark back to the performers and their claims to be considered "our own. make," there was Miss Castles, a native of Bendigo, who gave a delightful interpretation of Cho Clio San. Mr. Arthur Crane, whose Sharpless is so generally admired, is an Australian, as are alsc Mr. Eufus Ferauson (Prince Yamadori), and Mr. Orme Darvall (The Bonze). Miss Rosina Buckmann, whose performance aa Suzuki, is vocally and histrionically so sound,'is a New Xealander; and last, but by no means least, the leader of tho orchestra, Mr. Ernest Toy, is an Australian It is taken for granted that DO per cent of the orchestra and chorus are Aus-tralian-born. ■

TWO FAREWELL PRODUCTIONS. J. C. Williamson's Grand Opera Company will enter upon the two last nights of Us season this evening, and the excellent results nro not to be wondered at, for it is vsry seldom New Zealand is afforded an ' opportunity, of witnessing such excellent productions. This evening Mdlle. Bel Sorel will make her farewell

appearance in Wellington, when she will again siii» the role of "Carmen," and iliis nimoimve'iuent is sure to meet with general approval', for she certainly has established herself as a line actress, in addition to possessing a most cultured voice. To-morrow night Signorina Maria/ Panipari. who iVasVliaraipil nil by her delightful performance of Hiiiii in "T.a Eol'.eme,". and' Signal- Jlazou will again take his position as conductor. This will provide the farewell presentation of a season that will long be remembered for its general excellence. :