ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1834, 8 January 1880, Page 3

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

The approaching season of Italian opera promises to be a brilliant one, if the avidity with which the seats in the dress circle have been applied for is to be taken as a criterion. As will be seen by the advertisement in this morning's issue, the programme for the first fix nights will comprise both Italian and English opera, the works being culled from Verdi, Balfe, Donizetti, Vincent Wallace, and Charles Gounod. It will thus be seen that the services of every member of the extensive company will be called into requisition. It is unnecessary to speak of the treat in store for the lovers of first-class singing by the re-appearance, after many years' of the old Christehurch favorite, Signora Coy. The lapse of time has only served to ripen her great powers, and her appearance in Italian opera in connection with the present company, will be hailed with satisfaction by all who appreciate talent of the highest order. Signora Venosta too,-will likewise have the advantage of being already firmly established in publio favor. The remarks on Signora Coy equally apply to her talented husband, who, as a leading member of Signor Cagli's company when he visited Canterbury, established himself as a prime favorite. Amongst the principal members of the present combination, the new aspirants to public favor are Mr Verdi, Mr Armes Beaumont, and Madame Hose Hersee. The two gentlemen, especially Mr Beaumont, come accredited with the highest praise that could be lavished on them by the Australian Press aa well as by the public at large, who have stamped their reputation with the hall mark of universal approval. The reputation of Madame Hersee is worldwide, and it is one of the proofs of the high estimation in which first-class talent is held in the colonies of Australia and New Zealand when such a great artiste leaves the scene of her European triumphs tc grace the lyric stages of this remote part of the world. Madame Herzee's career has been one long series of successes from the date of her first engagement under Mr H. Mapleson's management at Her Majesty's Theatre. Associated with Madame Titiens, Madame Farepa, Messrs Sims Beeves and Santley, and the leading artistes of the Italian operatic stage, Madame Bose Hersee has shone with equal brilliance, and has made a name in all Che great roles in the wide range of Italian and English Opera. She was equally successful when she visited America, and lately the Melbourne Press has again endorsed the flattering verdict passed on the subject of these remarks by their English and American brethren. The principal performers will be supported by artistes of unusual merit, and the name of Signor Zelman is a guarantee for a thoroughly efficient orchestra. Mr Williams, the scenic artist of the Theatre Boyal, is painting entirely new scenery for many of the operas, in addition to that brought from the Opera House, Melbourne, by the pencil of the wellknown artist Herr Habbe.