Articles on Dryane’s forthcoming season of French opera

“Mr. Dryane, the manager of the new French opera troupe, is out to-day with a manifesto which dispels all doubt as to the actual existence of himself and his troupe. [Unclear what the manifesto is or where it appears.] His party arrived last week by the St. Laurent, and will appear next Monday evening at the Academy of Music in Halevy’s ‘La Juive,’ an opera which has been given here in German, but not in the original. Mr. Dryane’s company has been formed in Paris, expressly for grand opera, and the repertoire includes a variety of the most elaborate lyric works, such as the ‘Prophéte,’ ‘Guillaume Tell,’ ‘Charles IV.,’ Robert le Diable’ and ‘Faust.’ This company is not, as has been rumored, the New Orleans Opera Troupe; it is a new company formed for New York, though it will appear also in Boston and Philadelphia. Mr. Dryane brings his company out without previous announcements, and declares his willingness to [l]et his singers depend for success on their latrinsic merits.”

“A detailed account of the intentions of the new French Opera Troupe will be found in our advertisement columns. It will be seen that a number of operas of high European reputation, many of which have never been presented in this country, are partially, if not unconditionally promised, and that the managers pledge themselves to omit no effort toward the completeness and effectiveness of their production. Nothing could be more welcome than the advent of a French company prepared to properly perform such works at Ambroise Thomas’s ‘Songe J’une Nuit d’Eté,’ Hérold’s ‘Préaux Cleres,’ and Auber’s ‘Ambassandrice.’ The opening venture will be more ambitious—nothing less than Halévy’s massive opera, ‘La Juive,’ which various Italian troupes have already made familiar here. The names of the various artists included in the cast may be found in the advertised programme. The first representation will take place on Wednesday next. For the Friday following, ‘Les Mousquetaires de la Reine,’ also by Halevy, is announced. The sale of reserved seats will begin next Saturday morning at the Academy of Music, at Schirmer’s music store, and at No. 114 Broadway.”

“That French Opera Troupe.—In our issue of July 24th, we announced that arrangements had been perfrected for bringing to this country a full French Opera Troupe, to commence at the Academy of Music in this city. This announcement was dented by several of our city papers, as they had not previously been made aware of the fact. The Managers now state that the season will commence, at the above named place, on or about the 20th inst. The troupe consists of [lists singers and operas scheduled]. The conductors are Charles Van Ghel, Torriani, and Martin.”

“The sale of reserved seats for the French Opera Troupe, whose representations are announced to begin on Wednesday next, commences this morning at the Academy of Music, at Schirmer’s, No. 701 Broadway, and at No. 114 Broadway. The first opera to be given is Halevy’s ‘La Juive,’ and this will be followed on Friday, by ‘Les Mousquetaires de la Reine.’ The announcements of the management are of a very promising character, and include, besides the attraction of new artists, a full ballet and an admirable orchestra. It will give us much pleasure to see this opera company deserve and achieve a large measure of success. The French population of New-York is numerous and fond of music, and our other theatre-goers have contracted so decided a liking for the language of Opera Bouffe as frequently to prefer it to their own. The time that has elapsed since we have had grand opera in New-York is decidedly favorable to the prosperity of the new undertaking, and it is to be hoped that the public will extend a generous recognition to its artistic claims. The accounts that have reached us concerning the merits of the troupe are of a flattering character, and it is certain that the repertory and adjuncts announced are such as pertain only to artists of established rank. We bespeak for them a cordial reception and such treatment thereafter as shall bear a liberal relation to their deserts. If all that we hear be true, and we have good reason to think it so, the public may prepare for a really excellent series of French operas, interpreted by capable and accomplished artists.”

“Suddenly, and when almost all hope of grand opera had been given up, comes a French company and quietly installs itself at the Academy of Music, not to give performances of Offenbach, but of those great works which the best composers have given to the French lyric stage.

“Among such works Halévy’s ‘Juive’ is in the very first rank. It is full of noble music, and the chorus writing is of unsurpassed excellence. No company ever appeared here within our recollection so unannounced, so little known, and yet apparently capable of so much. Their advertisements are modest, and their way has not been smoothed for them by any preliminary laudation. Wednesday evening, which is the occasion of their first appearance, will test their capabilities. It is said that they are a strong and efficient company, and if so they will meet with success, for the seasons we have had of opera bouffe has prepared the popular ear for the enjoyment of French music of a higher cast; and it is so long since the De Vries company was here that French grand opera is almost a thing of tradition on the stage of this city, and a welcome novelty. The season will be of six weeks’ duration.”