SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 129, 1 June 1881, Page 2

SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

There was a very fair attendance at the Theatre last night when the SimoDsen Opera Company made their first appearance in Nelson, the Opera selected for tbe occasion being// Irovatore, which is always a favorite We are unable to-day to give a lengthy criticism of the performance, but we may refer in terms of high praise to the singing and acting of some of the leading characters. To begin with there w&s Madame Simonsen as Leonora, and her exquisite singing, especially when touching somo of her higher notes, fairly brought down the house, whilet her aoting was aupGrb. Miss Carrie Godfrey, as Azucena, the gipsy, appeared tb establish herself as a favorite with the audience as soon as sbo appeared on the stage, and as the opera went on, her splendid acting, so thoroughly natural in every look and gesture, and her sweet sin^iof, gained for her the most enthusiastic applause, to alt of which she was in our opinion motst justly entitled. Signor Paladini was in fine voice, and looked well as Manrico, the troubadour. He was heard to great ad vantage in the ever favorite "Ah cbe U morte," while his acting, especially in the last scene, was remarkably g&od-. Signor Riccardi made an excellent Ferrando, and Mr Cr&.iti as the Oornte dl Luna delighted his audience, and surprised those who heard bim on his last visit to Nelson by the power as well as the melody of bis voice. The choruses were well and spiritedly rendered, particularly the celebrated Anvil Chorui, which went with a merry swing throughout. Tbe Nun's Chorus and the Muirere were also very effective. The orchestra, though small, is in excellent training as, indeed, may be taken for granted, being as it is under tbi conductorship of Mr Simonsen. To-night's programme will comprise the merry, rollicking opera "The Grand Dueheas." which, with such a company as Mr Simomen has under him now — by far the best we have evtr seen him with — should prove a most complete success in every way.