Strakosch Italian Opera: Farewell Gala Nilsson Matinee

“The performances will commence with the Music Lesson Scene in the Second act of the Barber of Seville, in which Miss Ida Rosburgh will make her debut in opera in America, and will sing Benedict’s Variations of the Carnival de Venise.”

“A matinée performance, consisting of one act of ‘Faust,’ one of ‘Mignon,’ and one of ‘La Traviata,’ with Mme. Nilsson as Margarita, Violetta, and Mignon; and including, besides, one act of ‘Il Barbiere,’ attracted to the Academy of Music yesterday an audience which filled the house to overflowing. The début of Miss Ida Rosburgh, a young lady who had previously sung in Italy, and who, as Rosina, interpreted Benedict’s ‘Carnaval,’ was the only incident calling for notice. Miss Rosburgh has a voice of good quality and range, and a fluent and correct execution, which could not have been more severely tested than by Benedict’s music. But her performance was too mechanical to suggest hopes that the lady will hereafter earn distinction as a prima donna.”

“Miss Ida Rosburgh made her operatic début at the Academy matinee yesterday, assisted by some members of the Strakosch troupe. She introduced in the lesson scene of ‘Il Barbiere’ Benedict’s ‘variations on ‘The Carnival of Venice.’ Her voice is a soprano epogato of considerable compass, pure and flexible, and giving every evidence of high cultivation. It resembles Miss Kellogg’s voice to a great extent. Mme. Nilsson appeared in her best scenes from ‘Faust,’ ‘Traviata’ and ‘Mignon.’ The house was crowded to its utmost capacity.”

“A miscellaneous programme was offered at the Academy matinée on Saturday. One of the most interesting features was the first appearance in opera of Miss Ida Rosenburgh [sic] as Rosina in the second act of the ‘Barber of Seville.’ She executed Benedict’s difficult variations on the ‘Carnival of Venice’ in a charming manner. Her voice is remarkably sweet and pure, with a fresh and tender quality that is rare. Miss Rosenburg [sic] sang successfully in concert here several years ago, and since that time she has been in Europe devoting herself to the study of her art, with evident industry and excellent results.”