Sabbath Festival

“The first of a series of grand Sunday concerts.”

Last night’s concert took place; names of performers. “The programme consisted of classical and popular selections.”

No necessity of advertising Sunday evening concerts as sacred. “The Sunday lager beer concerts assume no such thin disguise. Why steal the livery of heaven to serve the devil?”

“The series of Sunday concerts at the Grand Opera-house was commenced last evening. A numerous audience attended, and the programme afforded great pleasure. One advantage at least is derived from the coming of the opera-bouffe artists into the circle of concert singers. They do not bring remarkable voices or a remarkable method, but they interpret fresh compositions, and have no recourse to the very limited repertory upon which most vocalists are content to rely. Thus the bill last night included Adam’s exquisite carol of ‘Noël,’ an air from ‘La Juive,’ a song from Offenbach’s ‘Chanson de Fortunio,‘ the effective prayer (by a very strong chorus) from Maillart’s ‘Dragons de Villars,’ an air from ‘I Masnadieri,’ and a duet from ‘Le Châlet.’ It is agreeable to note the introduction of these pieces, for until now familiar concert performers have been at small pains to wander from the beaten path. Only last night Miss Nully Pieris, with due respect for precedent, kept within its bounds, and sang once more Rossini’s ‘Inflammatus,’ and the ‘O Luce di quest’ anima’ from ‘Linda.’ Of the opera-bouffe artists, it is only necessary to say that although they are actors, and not vocalists, they acquitted themselves very creditably of their respective tasks. Mlle. Lea Silly succeeded especially well in the rendering of Gounod’s ‘Serenade,’ and was recalled, and M. Antony’s voice gave due weight to the aria allotted the Cardinal in the first act of ‘La Juive.’ The artistic success of the entertainment, however, was for a new-comer, Mlle. Persini, whose light voice bore evidence of culture, and overcame the difficulties of a long bravura air, which we believe to be from ‘I Masnadieri.’ The orchestra, under the alternate leadership of Signor Carlo Patti and Prof. Tissington, contributed generously to the entertainment. Succeeding affairs of the kind will be made enjoyable and profitable if the tendency of the management toward liberal engagements takes the right direction.” 

“The evening’s entertainment was a thoroughly enjoyable one.”