Maretzek Italian Opera Company: La Favorita and L’Elisir d’Amore, Act II

“‘La Favorita’ will be repeated at the Saturday matinee, when a portion of ‘L’Elisir d’Amore’ will also be given.”

“The programme of next Saturday’s matinée contains certain unsual features, and will be found interesting.”

“Amusements. Italian Opera. In spite of the severe snow storm on Saturday the matinée at the Academy of Music was very largely attended.  ‘Favorita’ was the opera presented, and it was sung, to the satisfaction of the audience, in the same excellent manner as on the first production this season, several evenings ago. Baragli won special honors by his exquisite rendering of the ‘Spirito Gentil.’ The second act of ‘L’Elisir d’Amore’ was also given, with the ever-delightful Ronconi as Doctor Dulcamara and Mlle. Ronconi as Adina. Though evidently suffering somewhat from nervousness, Mlle. Ronconi performed the slight duties required of her in this act with a gracefulness and effect that promise well for her future career as an artist. We hope to have the pleasure of hearing her again very soon. A singular performance took place between two acts of ‘Favorita.’ Miss Florence Noble, for some unaccountable reason choosing the stage at the Academy as the place, made her first appearance there as a dramatic reader. She could hardly have made choice of a worse place or occasion for such a display. It was impossible to hear her distinctly at a distance from the stage, but she has a fine presence and an agreeable voice, and proper time and place being given for the display of her powers, might make a decided impression.”

“Amusements. Academy of Music…On Saturday, the matinée programme as announced, was fulfilled. After ‘La Favorita,’ which was represented by the cast already praised in these columns, the second act of ‘L’Elisir D’Amore,’ introduced Signorina Ronconi in the charming role of Adina. The vivacious little lady sang with spirit the remnant of music that fell to her care, and though evidently nervous, created an impression which is altogether in her favor.”

Brief and part of larger review of multiple performances. “La Favorita, with Mlle. Carmen Poch, on Saturday was substantially the same excellent performance we have noticed hitherto.”