Article on the forthcoming season of the Maretzek Italian Opera Company

“Italian Opera.—The sounds of saw and hammer, the smells of paint and turpentine, fill the Academy of Music. Preparations extensive, and of the most elaborate nature, are making for the approaching season, and ere long the graceful baton of Maretzek will wave in front of the lights, and to the inspiring orchestral harmonies, the superb array of artists, whose names and fame have been given in the Times, will make melodious the vast expanse. Singular as it may seem, Mr. Maretzek has undertaken to run his own machine this Winter. He has conceived the insane project of managing his own business, and has announced that fact in startling phrase to the gaping multitude. No manager has ever done so much for art in this city as Maretzek. His promises have ever been fulfilled, his artists were as he announced, his seasons were memorable in the pleasures of his patrons, and his integrity has yet to be questioned. Of the several artists who are now here, or will be in the course of a few days, many are established favorites already. The name of Mazzoleni is a host in itself; those of Zucchi, Kellogg, Bellini, Phillips, are familiar as those of most popular; the strangers will sing for themselves. If they are good, no detraction can injure them; if bad, no puffing assist them. The programme for the season will shortly be published. We can only state at present that there is every prospect of a brilliant season. The manager feels that his obligations to the public, which has always sustained him, are manifold, and we believe he will do what he promises when he says he will abundantly satisfy the people.

            He has arranged to give a series of performances at the Brooklyn Academy, having engaged that house for every Thursday night.”