AMATEUR OPERA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16487, 28 February 1914, Page 14

AMATEUR OPERA.

PROPOSED FRESH START IN CITY.

NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION POSSIBLE.

In its early days Christchurch enjoyed a reputation second to none in the dominion for genuine talent in amateur theatricals, and within tho past twenty years amateur opera has been staged successfully. After the disbandment of the last Amateur Operatic Society, following a successful season in “ Erminie,” the subject was dropped, and no real efforts have been made for a revival until lately. When amateur opera was dropped in Christchurch, there was a general slump throughout the dominion in matters of this sort, but within the past throe years there has boon a renaissance, and at present there is a healthy movement on foot which has for its object the co-operation of the various organisations with a view to reducing the cost of productions. There aro societies now iii Dunedin, Wellington, Auckland, Palmerston North, Masterton, Wanganui and Gisborne. And the latest to come into lino is Christchurch.

The Christchurch Amateur Operatic Sociey will probably be launched before long. Tho movement for the establishment is well in hand, and an official announcement will be made next month. The Christchurch- organisation will be run on the lines of tho Wellington Society, and the first production proposed for this city is “The Geisha,” tho charming comic opera by Sydney Jones, which has always been popular with New Zealand audiences. “The Geisha” was staged recently in Wellington, and tho Amateur Operatic Society played it there for a week to big business, despito the fact that the strike was on.

It is understood that efforts are to bo made to secure the services of Mr Tom Pollard as producer of the opera, and it is almost' certain that lie will be available. With the record of achievements in amateur opera which Christchurch enjoys, the organisers of the movement have every hope that a strong combination will bo secured and that there will be made possible the revival of many of the old favourites of the comic opera stage! It is understood that the present plan provides for the production of two comic operas each year, and if that programme is carried out it will considerably increase the pleasures of the playgoers in Christchurch.