Articles on Max Maretzek’s forthcoming opera season

“Deprived for the present of its natural home, Mr. Maretzek’s company will lead a rather predatory . . . life for a few weeks to come.  The following will show the extent of their wandering, the places they will visit, and the dates.  The season will commence in Brooklyn, October the 10^th, and will last till the 13^th; in Philadelphia from October the 15^th to the 27^th; in Pittsburgh from the 19^th to November 3d; in Brooklyn from the 5^th to the 8^th; in Boston from the 12^th to the 25^th; in New York, at the Winter Garden from the 26^th of November until January, 1867.  It is expected that the New York Academy of Music will be rebuilt and ready for occupation on or about the first of January 1867.  The greatest activity is displayed in pushing the work forward; not a moment is lost, for all the departments are progressing together.  The scenery, decorations and fixtures for the interior, together with the properties, will be ready to put in the house the day that it is ready to receive them.  We may, therefore, count with some certainty upon the promise of the architect to have the Academy ready for operatic purposes, immediately after New Year’s day.  The full strength of Mr. Maretzek’s company will necessarily be reserved for the grand season at the Academy of Music, but his company will be admirable in advance of that.  It will consist of Miss Kellogg, Mlle. Ronconi, Senorita Carmelina Poch; Mme. Ortolani, and Miss Hauch, who made so successful a debut at Mr. Leonard Jerome’s private Opera House last season.  The Contralto will be Mme. Testa, who is spoken of very highly.  Signor Mazzoleni, Signor Beragli, Signor Ronconi, the great Buffo, Signor Bellini and Signor Antonucci.  The repertoire will consist of the lighter operas, among them Herold’s beautiful opera, ‘Zampa,’ which has never been given on the Italian stage in this country.”

“Signor Ronconi and his daughter arrived last Wednesday in the Persia, and were received, by Max Maretzek and some members of his staff, with all the honors due to the eminent buffo.  Thus all the members of Mr. Maretzek’s troupe are in America, with the exception of Signor Beragli, who is expected here shortly.  The reputation of this gentleman as an artist is very good; we are informed by good judges of music, who heard him in London, that he is a highly talented artist and possesses a remarkably sweet and beautiful voice.  Among the operas which Mr. Maretzek will bring out or revive next winter, we mention ‘Don Bucefalo,’ ‘Zampa,’ ‘The Prophet,’ ‘Huguenots,’ ‘Elisir d’Amore,’ ‘Fra Diavolo.’  In point of repertoire the season will be one of the most interesting and varied we have ever had.”