IMPERIAL OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5352, 23 May 1878, Page 2

IMPERIAL OPERA HOUSE.

The inclement weather of last evening interfered greatly with the attendance at the* Imperial Opera House, but nevertheless there' was a fair master of people in the-stalls, ; aud upper circle. The bill of fare provided for the' evening’s entertainment consisted of a number r of choice. operatic selections from well-k’nq.wn, composers, and was gone , through most creditably. The first portion'of the programme was as follow :—“ Nou e ver,” romanza, by Signora M. : Venosta; “ Maria de Rohan,” romanza, by Signor Paladini ; “ Columella,” comic song, by Signor Tessada ; “ Don Gio— ; vinni ” (H mio teaero), aria, by Signor Camera; grand fantasia, “ Lucia,” violin solo, by-Mens;-L. Caron ; “ Oeuerentola,” comic song; by Signor Tessada; and “ Moss Prayer,” by' Signora Venosta, and Signer! Oamero, Pala- c dini, and Tessada. All the pieces, and especially the last one, were admirably performed, and brought forth the hearty applause of the audience. The second part commenced by Signor Paladini singing “ Don Giovanni ” (Dallu sua pace), aria, followed by ’ a duet beautifully rendered by Signora Venosta and Signor Oamero., “ Elisir d’ Ainore,” romanza, was also capitally sung by Signor Paladini, as was also the 'romanza, ,< Spagnuola,” by Signor Camera. “ Avo-Maria,”, and a violin solo, “ St. Patrick’s Day,” by Mons.:L. Caron, brought the second part-of the programme to a close. The entertainment concluded with the last scene of Ferrari’s comic oper “Pipele,” Signor Tessada appearing as “Pipele,” and Signora- Venosta as “Madalena. For to-night is announced the opera of , “ Don Pasquale,” of which the following is the argument—“ Don- Pasquale," ,■ a -,rich-. old bachelor, disinherits - his nephew Ernest for refusing to marry a lady he chooses for him, and resolves to take a wife unto himself, instead. The nephew loves “ Norina,” a widow, to whom he is bsthrothed. Soonec' then plunge her into poverty, he is determined - to renounce her and seek his fortune, in exile. “Dr. Malatesta,” a friend of .‘‘Ernest,” ..contrives a plan; to effect a reconciliation with, “ Don Pasqtrale.” He introduces “ Norina” as his sister returned from a.convent The oldbachelor falls desperately - in love, and,solicits an immediate marriage which is celebrated by a fictitious notary. “ Ernest,” arriving to take leave of his uncle,: is astonished at seeing “Norina,” but the doctor explains how matters, stand. The counterfeit iknot: is no sooner tied than “Norina" flings aside her reserve. She denounces her husband’s style,, of living, , orders now servants, furniture, and equipages, and insists upon a wife’s prerogative to govern a household. Overwhelmed with surprise and consternation “Don Pasquale” in vain offers remonstrance. - The neWbrida boxes his orders him to bed, and rushes but of the house’.' with the intention of going to the theatre)'- 'A.' letter she drops on purpose "is picked up.; by the husband, who. findsrshe has made an assignation. “ Don Pasquale,” accompanied by “ Malatesta,”. hurries to the place of remlez- - vous in time to see “ Ernest” ,in disguise ea-p caping. He insists, upon knowing the naind of the gallant. Ah altercation ensues. The doctor acts as mediator. Ho 1 proposes that “Ernest" should niarry “Norina,” and reside with his uncle. “Norina” objects) “Don Pa quale” will have it so. .Arrived- at this point, “Malatesta” explains the;state of affairs, and the old bachelor,, top--,happy .in. securing his freedom, bids, farewell to’ matrimonial speculation, and consents to-tho union ’of the,lovers. ...:.-■ .....