OPERAS THAT NEVER DIE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1139, 29 May 1911, Page 4

OPERAS THAT NEVER DIE.

AND A NEW AUCKLAND VENTURE* (By Teleeraph.—Special Correspondent.) Auckland, May 27. For many years Auckland has been suf. fei;ing from a end lack of enterprise in the direction of the production of popular light Operas by local amateurs.. This cannot havn been owing to a deficiency of talent, for the competitions that were held last year indicated that there was material in abundance upon which to work. It seemed, however, as if there was nobody sufficiently enterprising or sufficiently courageous to come forward and inaugurate a movoment having for its object the revival of the amateur operatic movement. It was contended by some that there, aro now eo many professional companies visiting Auckland that ally production on a purely amateur basis would no longer prove to bo payable. There is no reason to believe, however, that this view is a correct one.' Not for many years has a professional company produced any of tho works of Gilbert and Sullivan, as they have confined their attentions chiefly to musical comedies. The attraction of the latter are, however, frequently evanescent, while thoso of Gilbert and Sullivan never pall upon the public palate. It was a consideration of these facts that led to certain citizens asking whether it would not b<? possible (o organise a society having for its object the exploitation of light opera en an amateur basis. After careful inquiry and consideration, tho answer was an emphatic nnmnativo, and it was decided to take steps in that direction. A strong committee was formed to further tho enterprise, and the result was the formation of tho Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, which is now in fuU swing. The initial effort of $« society is to be a production of 'The Pirates, of Penzance," and His Majesty S Theatre lias been booked for a short reason, extending from July 17 to July 22. In tho meantime rehearsals arc m active pro. iws. The principals have been selected, and the chorus is an exceptionally strong ° n \ very largo number of business men have been exceedingly generous in coining forward.as guarantors, and horo is ttlD doubt' that tho jiiiMic w>ll also accord the favour of their liraet cal support by their" presence when the piece is staged.