Harrison English Opera: Maritana
Event Information
Venue(s):
Niblo's Concert Saloon
Conductor(s):
Theodore Thomas [see also Thomas Orchestra]
Price: $.50; $1 reserved
Event Type:
Opera
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
20 January 2015
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
03 Feb 1864, 8:00 PMProgram Details
Performers and/or Works Performed
Citations
Full cast, time, prices, etc. “From the fact of it being impossible to secure any nights at Niblo’s Saloon for the English Opera after the 21st of January to Wednesday, Feb. 3, there will be no opera until later date, on which occasion will be produced Wallace’s great opera of MARITANA.”
“…Maritana, which has been so successful in Brooklyn, being produced here for the first time. The audience was the largest and most fashionable that has attended any of these representations, proving the increasing favor with which the enterprise is regarded. Artistically considered, the performance of last evening was the best that has been given by the troupe. [Borchard, Castle and Campbell] were in excellent voice, the ensemble of the concerted pieces was as perfect as thorough rehearsal could make it, and both orchestra and chorus exhibited not only increased strength, but a carefulness of preparation which was wanting in some of the earlier performances. We have rarely seen an audience evince more satisfaction than on this occasion, nearly everything of value being encored. The more this troupe is heard the more it is appreciated. It certainly would be difficult to find a combination of finer voices than it presents.”
Brief. “The English Opera Company gave a highly successful performance of ‘Maritana’ at Niblo’s Saloon last night, Castle and Miss Myers winning the heartiest applause.”
“A crowded audience was present on the reopening of this snug [sic] retreat of the muses. Mr. Wallace’s opera of Martiana was revived—the characters by Mad. Borchard, Miss Meyer, and Messrs. Campbell and Castle. The opera is founded on a very French and very sparkling comedy—with much wit and no love—the master passion and, [illeg.] of opera generally—to speak of—and so is carried off with the dash and coolness of Don Cesar, who is a brilliant, careless, spiritual fellow.
There were several encores. We have noticed the other singers particularly before, and now have the satisfaction of mentioning another debutante, Miss Meyer, who has a sweet mezzo-soprano voice, with the freshness and clearness of youth; and though not loud yet is round and full, and drew forth an encore in her solo.”