THE IMPERIAL OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5350, 21 May 1878, Page 2

THE IMPERIAL OPERA HOUSE.

... Last evening the Imperial Opera House, in Manners-street, was opened by the Royal Italian Opera Company, under most favorable auspices. There was a splendid house, almost every seat being occupied, and this being the case, the audience could 1 not have numbered less than fifteen hundred persons. Amongst those present; were his Excellency the Governor and suite, Lord Ronald Levison Gower, his Honor Mr. Justice Johnston, his Worship the Mayor, and a large number of the leading citizens of Wellington, accompanied in many instances by the ladies of their several families. The Governor, who arrived punctually at eight o’clock, was received on alighting, from his carriage by Messrs. G. Crawford and Stuart, directors of the company, and by Mr. McDonald, the secretary, who escorted him to the vice-regal seat in the centre of the dress-circle. The band, which had been previously playing several musical selections on the balcony outside to the evident enjoyment of the large concourse of persons gathered together in Manners-street, striking up “ God save the Queen ” as his Excellency entered the house. Hn the curtain rising, and the drop scene being exposed to view, there were loud calls for the scenic artist, Mr. Willis, who responded, and bowed his thanks to the audience. This scene represents Loch Katrine as depicted in Sir Walter Scott’s “Lay of the Last Minstrel,” and is an excellent specimen of the painter’s art. The decorations throughout this theatre are very chaste and elegant, and when the house is lighted up with gas, and filled almost to overflowing, as it was last night, the whole appearance of the place presents as gay and alflii«ted i a scene of the kind as can well be imagined. ; The performance commenced with “ God save the Queen,” by Signora! Garanti, Vita, the company, and orchestra; Monsieur L. Caron conducting, and the whole of the large audience rising and remaining standing until its close. Miss Lizzie Morgan then read a prologue, written by a local author. This was succeeded by the overture of the “Bronze horse," which no doubt brought to the recollection of many present the days of Astley’a Amphitheatre, ”in the old country, and the trained steeds keeping pace with the wellmarked time of the - music. The duo, “ Martha,” by Signori Camero and Tessada ; brindisi, “ II Segreto” (“ Borgia”), by Signora M. Yenosta ; romanza, “ Martha,” by Signor Raladiui ; and the English ballad, “Let 1 me dream again,” by Signora Caranti Vita, followed, all in excellent style. Then came a violin solo (7th concerto), by Mens. Caron, which, being encored, as indeed was almost every piece throughout the performance, he gave “The Last Rose of Summer” very charmingly. The following pieces were then given, and mnst warmly received, eliciting hearty encores: Ballata, “. Rigoletto,” by Signor Camera ; aria buffo, “Madamina” (Giovanni); by I Signor Tessada ; duo, “Echoes?’ by Signore Caranti Vita and M. Venosta ; violin solo, “ Yankee Doodle,” by Monsieur L. Caron; quartett, “ Rigoletto,” by Signore Caranti Vita and Venosta, ; Signori Camero and Tessada. This brought the concert to a conclusion, and after a short interval “an afleghrioal naval ballet,’* as it was styled in the bills, succeeded, in which sixteen Wellington hoys, dressed as sailors in white ducks, tunics, and straw hats, went through a variety of dances and other evolutions in nautical style in such a manner as reflected much credit on-their aptitude, smartness, and on the skill and industry of their drill instructor. The lads were heartily' applauded as the curtain fell on this the second part of the programme. After another brief interval the whole performance was brought to a close by the production of the third act' of Gounod’s beautiful opera of “Faust,” which is no doubt familiar to all our theatre-going readers. The part of Faust was well sustained by . Signor Paladini, and that of Mephistopheles by Signor Tessada; the part of Martha being taken by Signora M. Venosta, and receiving full justice at her hands. Margherita was well played by Signora Caranti Vita. The 'company is not a large one Jar an operatic company, but all the members of it, judging from the performance of last night, are competent and careful performers,' and the hearty reception which the several j pieces placed before the audience met with is a good augury for the future: success" of this new and apparently popular place of amusement. The building itself has been already. described in our columns, and it is needless to repeat what has been already said of it; but it may he worth while to observe that many saw it for the first time last, night, and were both pleased and astonished at its'elegant appearance and at the amount of accommodation afforded, Its acoustic properties are admirable. Every word that was said on the stage could he heard in all parts of the bouse. If there was any fault found last night, it was, so far as we know, that several of the audience complained of being cold, and that a draught along the passages when. the box doors were opened was very keen, unpleasant, and suggestive of ■catarrh, but the weather is no doubt to blame rather than the constructors of the theatre. . At the same time, if anything can be done by haying folding doors at the end of the passages facmg the street, to remedy the evil, it will conduce to the comfort of the frequ-nters of the house during the winter, especially of ladies in evening dress. On the whole the inauguration of the Imperial Opera House was a • decided success. Bud the management may be congratulated on the very favorable impression made oh this occasion.