"IL TROVATORE"

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 238, 2 July 1919, Page 3

"IL TROVATORE"

TO-NIGHT AT THE TOWN H^YLL. Great interest is being manifested among musical people in Wellington in this evening's performance of Verdi's popular opera "II Trovatore" by tho Wellington Choral Society. As time advances, choral societies the world oyer appear to favour the idea of varying tneir seasonal programmes by the inclusion of operatic works as distinct from the purely oratorical, in which trend it may be ,soid that they are catering for a changing public taste. The idea is acceptable in New Zealand, where tho opportunities of witnessing grand opera are exceedingly rare. The local union has sung within the last decade such works as "Carmen," "Samson and Delilah," "Cavalleria Kusticaua," and "Maritana," and from the standpoint of_ pleas, ing their audiences suews has invariably been achioved. This evening they will mako an incursion- into the Verdi reportoire, and should "I! iTrovatoro" provo artistically interesting and financially satisfactory there will be ample excuse'for further exploration in that direction. For example, "Aidiv" and "Kigoletto" might bo considered possible operas for evening dress performance. Tho union lias assembled a remarkably strong cast for "II Trovatore," and with such tried vocalists as Miss Miua Caldow (Azucena), Miss 'Teresa M'Enroo (Leonora), Mr. Ernest Drake (Manrico), Signer Lucien Casnroni (Ferrmnio), and Mr. Len. Barnes (Count di Luna), there should be little doubt as to the success of.tlie principals' share of the performance. Mr. 11. Temple White will control the performance, which fact should ensure careful preparation. The booking at the Bristol looks like establishing a record for the union/ Tho society urges ticket-holders to be in their seals not later than a quarter to eight. Tho doors will be closed directly the performance commences, and under no circumstances will patrons 'be admitted, except between tho numbers.