SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3032, 15 March 1881, Page 3

SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

MARITANA

It is so long since a visit has been received from an opera company that the large audience which greeted the opening performance of the Simonsens showed how heartily this community can appreciate good music. The reputation of Madame Simonsen was made years ago, and her popularity »as established in Napier at her first visit. She has come to us as a favorite, and in tbe lapse of time since we last saw her she has lost none of her charms. Four years have made no impression on her appearance ; her voice retains all its exquisite sweetness ; and, as in the past, she is the life and soul of the stage in whatever part she take?. Mr Simonsen is also an old favorite, and is welcomed back again as one who left a most pleasurable recollectiou of bis last visit. As before, he has brought with him a carefully selected orchestra, which it is a treat to hear. 01 the other members of the company we have spoken on a previous occasion. The first opera of the season selected was that of Maritana, and Madame Simonsen in the character of tbe title after the opening chorus, was received with a burst of applause, and throughout the three acts, in every part in which she appeared, she never failed to richly merit and receive the hearty plaudits of an appreciative audience. In the beautiful gong " Scenes that are brightest," Madame Simonsen was rapturously encored, and most generously repeated the last verse. In the final duet between Maritana and Lazarillo, she showed tbe kindly disposition of her heart in one of those little scenes that often occur when young players are on the stage. Lazarillo suddenly was seized with nervousness, and the manner iv which Madame Simonsen helped her friend through, and disguised the weakness, exhibited those features in her character tbat have en* deared her to all who have had the pleasure of her acquaintance whether on or off the stage. Miss Godfrey, as Lazarillo, was very pleasing ; she has a rich voice, which was heard to advantage in the opening aria of the second act, "Alas! those chimes." The other ladies in the company had no opportunity of distinguishing themselves in Maritana except to look pretty, and this part they filled admirably. Signor Riccardi, as Don Jose, established himself at once as a favorite ; he is an excellent vocalist and a good aQtor. His rendering of "In happy moments" was loudly applauded and'encored. It is evident tbat be is both an artist and a scholar. The London Weekly Despatch, just six years ago, said ot Signor Riccardi, "we have to record the successful debut of a new baritone, who displayed a well-trained and most excellent voice, and was deservedly recalled. The London Telegraph of the same date says "Mr Riccardi, anew baritone-bass of rare quality, made a successful debut in ' Honour and Arms.' Asa vocalist this gentleman's natural gilts are great, and his place in the profession will be high." Mr Simonsen is to be congratulated upon securing such a tower of strength as Signor Riccardi. Don Caesar de Bazan was taken by Signor Biancbi, who acted tbe part very fairly, his portrayal of the character being clever; he has not, however, a strong voice, and many times it was completely drowned by the orchestra. The opera was put upon the stage in capital style, and the grouping and dresses of the chorus were artistically picturesque' The chorus singing was full and harmonious, and the performances of the orchestra were perfect. To-night will be performed Bellini's charming opera "La Sonnambula," in which Miss Martina Simonsen will make her first appearance here as Amina.