SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 724, 14 October 1876, Page 2

SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

Itis scarcely to the credit of Christchurch that night after night this company appears to wretched houses. The various operas are well put upon the stage, and in Madame Simonsen and Signor Morley we have artistes of the highest talent. We must confess that we are totally at a loss to account for the paucity of support accorded in this musicloving city to a company such as the one now performing. Last evening the programme was one which should have filled the house to overflowing. It comprised a concert and an opera. The performance opened with the overture to “ Masauiello,” excellently played by the orchestra. This was followed by “The deach of Nelson,” sung by Signor Morley in a manner far surpassing anything we have heard here before. It was really a treat, and the comparatively few who were present thoroughly enjoyed it. He was encored, and responded with “ Thou art so near,” also admirably sung. Madame Simonsen gave f'l’m alone,” from“ Tho Lily of Killarney,” excellently, and was loudly applauded. The violin solo of Mr Simonson was well worth hearing. He selected a fantaua on themes from “ II Trovatore,” in which the melodies from the opera are enrich,d with florid variations. Hia playing of ths showed how thorough a master he is of theinstrument, and displayed a delicacy of tone md finish worthy of high commendation. M 1 Markham sang a comic song very well, rod was encored. Miss Fisher gave_ Frani Abt’s “Thee only I live” very nicely irileed. It was sung with taste and expresßion,and deserved a warmer recognition from he audience than it received. The closed with Arditi’s vocal waltz “ II Bacu” arranged for voice,

violin, and piano. Madame Simonsen sang, the mnsic most artistically, and the violin obligato by Mr Simonsen was capitally played. Mr Foster accompanied some of tha songs very tastefully. “ The Bohemian Girl ” followed. Of Madame Simonsen’s Arline we have before spoken in terms of praise, and last night she played with much spirit and success, despite the depressing influence of a small audience. The music of her part was well sang throughout, especially “ I dreamt that I dwelt,” and in the beautiful quartette, “ From the valleys.” Miss Lambert did her best with the unthankful part of the Queen, but the music is unsuited to her voice. Mr ITlorence was fairly successful as Thaddeus, his best effort being “ Then you’ll remember me,” Mr Barrington, as the Count, sang “ The heart bow’d down ” well, and Mr Levison was good as Devilshoof. The choruses went well, and the ladies of the ballet danced one or two sprightly dances very nicely. Wo must not omit to notice the admirable manner in which Mr Wainecke played the clarionet solo in the introduction to “ The heart bow’d down,” which was a very artistic piece of instrumentation. The orchestra generally played well throughout. To-night “ The Grand Duchess ” is announced, with Madame Simonsen as the Duchess and Mr Florence as Fritz.