Crowds Attend Operatic Wedding

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 476, 4 October 1928, Page 1

Crowds Attend Operatic Wedding

ALGOZZINO’S romance CEREMONY AT ST. BENEDICT’S This morning Signorina Nina Algozzino was one of the principals in the third wedding scene in which she has taken part this week. On Tuesday she was married in “La Favorita” and on Monday her beautiful rich mezzosoprano rang out in a dissenting note in the tragic wedding scene in “Lohengrin,” but to-day, except for the quietly uttered “I will,’* she was strangely silent. . . It was her wedding morn. St. Benedict’s Church was packed to its utmost capacity long before ten o’clock, when the wedding of Signorina Nina Algozzino, the popular mezzosoprano of the Fuller-Gonsalez Grand Opera Company, and Signor Renio Diotti, also a member of the company, was timed to take place. Long before ten o’clock the police refused further admittance to the church and a large crowd had to content itself with glimpses of the bride as she entered and left. Shortly before ten the bridegroom arrived. Tall and slim, with dark, handsome features, he appeared slightly nervous as, accompanied by Signor Francesco Federici, one of the leading baritones, who acted as his best man, he took up his place near the altar rails. The strains of the Bridal March from “Lohengrin” announced the arrival of the bride. She entered on the arm of Sir Benjamin Fuller, who was to give her away. Although dressed in black satin, out of respect for her sister, who died at Milan last year, she presented a charming picture. A smartly cut frock with a flowing cape effect, and taffeta ruffles, was further relieved with red fox furs. She also wore a small black hat with veil, and carried a large shower bouquet of spring blooms. The bride was attended by her friend, Signorina Maria Henkina, the handsome Russian coloratura soprano, who wore black satin with a gracefully flared skirt. A very striking and effective toilette was enhanced by a large black picture hat with a trailing spray of red and white roses from the shoulder. The two bridesmaids. Misses Anita and Rema Pagni, who wore pretty frocks of blue georgette with picture hats, were accompanied by Signor A. Campi, president of the Italian Club and Signor Vicleffo Scamuzzi, one of the principal baritones, whose commanding stature at once made him a conspicuous figure. Lady Fuller, wearing mist-blue georgette with appliqued designs of pastel pink and blue, musquash furs and blue hat, was also with the bridal party. The principals and members of the company, with Maestro Giovanni Gonsalez, Signor Foil (manager), Mr. and Mrs. Ray Fuller and Mrs. J. Fuller, senr., were present in full force, occupying seats reserved for them at the front of the church. MUSIC OF THE MASS The beautiful music of Gounod’s “Messe Solenelle” arose in an exquisite pianissimo as the Right Rev. Dr. Liston, accompanied by Monsignor Ormond, proceeded to the altar, which was tastefully decorated with arum lilies. The “Kyrie,” that softly appealing melody, gave place to the joyous melody of the “Gloria,” and was followed by the “Sanctus” and “Benedictus,” gloriously sung by a full choir, conducted by Signor Costantini. In addition to solo parts in the mass sung by Miss Gladys Ryan (soprano), ur.d Messrs. R. Cladwell (bass) and G. Fagan (tenor), Mascagni’s “Ave Maria” was sung by Miss Rita Madden, and a violin solo, Becce’s “Legende D’Amour” by Signor Genocchi, leader of the orchestra. Miss Lila Rae was the organist. Again to the strains of the "Lohengrin” Bridal March, the bridal party left the church after the signing of the register. Once outside the party was engulfed in a dense crowd. which swarmed around the doors as soon as the bride and bridegroom made their appearance. Showers of confetti descended upon them, and numerous hands were thrust out in congratulation, as shepherded by two policemen, they forced their way through the press to an adjoining hall, where light refreshments were partaken before proceeding to the wedding breakfast. With considerable difficulty the invited guests and members of the company followed as best they could through the crowd, which waited for oyer half an hour to gain another glimpse of the bridal party leaving. THE RECEPTION At the reception given by Signor and Signora Costantini at the Royal Hotel after the ceremony, Signora Costantini received her guests wearing a smart ensemble of black satin, with white fox furs and pert little black hat faced with gold and scarlet roses.