The Sun.
London, England, 1858-04-05 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
SEASON 1858.
The approach of another Season lays upon the Direction of
Her Majesty'3 Theatre the welcome duty of acknowledging
the continued kindness and confidence by which its friends
have never failed to supply a sure guarantee of success, and a
constant stimulus to new exertions.
The past year was distinguished by events which call for
especial recognition.
Thegracious selection of Her Majesty's Theatre as the scene
of the Royal Festivities, on the auspicious occasion of the
nuptials of her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, has added
new lustre to the historical distinction which the Opera House
has so long enjoyed as the favourite resort of the Court and
Aristocracy of Britain.
The Director has again to record his grateful appreciation
of the noble and munificent encouragement which, after
achieving the re-establishment of the Theatre, has continued,
with discriminating taste, to guide and sustain the efforts
made in each successive year to maintain for the Opera of
London its fitting place among the Musical Institutions of
Europe. That position is now amply recognised in every
Continental capital, and the approving verdict of the audi-
ence of Her Majesty's Theatre is universally accepted as the
highest testimonial which an artist can produce.
The last year has contributed to extend, as well as to elevate
the influences of the establishment, and to exhibit it in the
largest sense as a National Institution. The Subscribers, by
whose effective encouragement during the Season the experi-
ment of a supplementary series of popular performances was
alone rendered possible, will have the gratification of know-
ing that they have not only secured and improved for them-
selves their accustomed recreation, but have been the means
of conferring upon a wider circle the refined enjoyments of
the highest musical art.
The Operatic features of the last season must still be fresh
in the memory of all. Besides other additions to the talent
secured in former years, the resources of the Theatre were
enriched by the acquisition of a tenor whose artistic genius
and unsurpassed sweetness of voice were instantaneously re-
e,cguieed by the judgment of musical connoissieurs, and by
the instinctive appreciation of every lover of melody.
The Direction have been fortunate enough to retain the
invaluable aid of Mdlle. Piccolomini, Signor Ginglini, and all
the vocalists who contributed to past successes ; and is able
to announce, in the approaching debut of Madlle. Titiens, an
event which it is believed will distinguish the season of 1858
as the first appearance of Signor Giuglini marked that of
1857.
It is seldom that nature lavishes on one person all the varied
gifts which are needed to form a great soprano. A voice
whose register entitles it to claim this rank is of the rarest
order. The melodious quality and power, which are not less
essential than an extended register, are scarcely more common.
Musical knowledge, executive finish, and perfect intonation
are indispensable • and to these the prima donna should add
dramatic force and adaptability, and a large measure of per-
ional grace. Even these rare endowments will not suffice unless
they are illumined by the fire of genius.
How nearly the high ideal is approached by Madlle. Titiens,
and how much more nearly it may hereafter be reached under
the same genial encouragement which has developed the
powers of so many aspirants, the friends of the opera will
have an early opportunity of judging.
The Director has again the satisfaction of expressing his
sincere gratitude to all his artistic friends within the theatre,
for the unfailing zeal and devotion which have enabled him
to record the completion of another season without a single
deviation from the performances announced.
The performances will commence immediately after Easter
with the debut of Madlle. Titiens, and Signor Giuglini's first
appearance here in Meyerbeer's grand opera of " Gli Ugo-
notti," on the preparation of which the utmost efforts have
been bestowed to make it in every way worthy of the
occasion. At an early period Verdi's Opera of " Luisa Miller"
will be given for the first time in this country, when Madlle.
Piccolomini will sustain the part of the heroine.
The English School of Composition will be represented by
"La Zingara "of Balfe. The repertoire will be selected from
the works of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Donizetti, Bollini, in
which Madlles. Piccolomoni, Spezia, Ortolani, and Signori
Giuglini, Belart, Belletti, Vialetti, and others have won the
appreciation of the subscribers.
The Ballet will be supported by Madlle. Pocchini (for whom
a New Ballet has been expressly composed, to be produced
early in the season), by Madlle. Marie Taglioni, Madlle. Bos-
chetti, Madame Rosati, and other favourites, and by Madlle.
Orsini, who will make her first appearance early in the Sea-
son.

Each performance will be made as effective as possible, and
the Director hopes, by unceasing exertions, to meet the con-
tinued confidence of the subscribers and the public.
OPERA.

Madlle. THERESA TITIENS
(Principal soprano of the Im-
perial Opera, Vienna),
Madlle. SPEZIA,
Madlle. ORTOLANI,

Signor GIUGLINI,
Signor BELART,
Signor MATTIOLI
(Of La Scala, Milan ; Teatro
Regio, Turin ; and Royal
Theatre, Madrid, his first
appearance),
Signor BENEVENTANO,
Signor ROSSI,
Signor ALDIGMERI,
Signor MERCURIAL',

Madlle. LUCIONI
(Of the Scala, Milan, and prin-
cipal Theatres of Italy, her
first appearance),
Madame GHIONI
(Of the principal Theatres of
Italy, her first appearance),
Madlle. SONDIN'A,
Madlle. GRAMAGLIA,
Madame ALBONI, and
Madlle. PICCOLOMINI.

Signor CASTELLI,
Signor VIA LETTI,
and
Signor BELLETTI.

DIRECTORS Or THE MUSIC AND CONDUCTORS. —The ability shown
by Signor ARDITI, engaged during the past successful Winter
Performances, has induced the Direction to retain Lis valu-
able services ; and Signor BONETTI, whose talented exer-
tions have given gen -ral satisfaction, has been re-engaged, and
will arrive immediately after the termination of the Italian
Opera Season at Paris.