The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-02-16
AMUsEMENTs.

ANoLIsH OPERA.-One of the largest audi
enccs ever assembled in the Academy of Music
At an Operatic performance was present there
last evening, on the occasion of the benefit of
Mr. Castle, the admirable tenor Of the Richings
Troupe. The Bohemtdn Girl was the attraction
OF the evening, and to say that it was splendidly
performed throughout and put upon the stage
by the management in the best possible STYLE
is only stating the simple, unadorned truth.
In all our experience we have never witnessed
more complete and satisfactory rendition
of an opera, and the enthusiasm IL created
among the audience was q tribute to the
artists we'll deserved as IL was un-
bounded. The various roles were all mag
nifoently rendered, and the success of the
principal singers seemed TO infuse its inspirlt-
ing effect all around, for the chorus, and even
the orchestra, were unusually correct and forci-
BILE in their performances. AS consequence
the ensemble Of the opera made It altogether one
OF the most delightful and enjoyable represen-
tations of English opera we have ever had in
Philadelphia; and in making this declaration,
we do so without any reservation whatever.
We cannot recall to mind, in o long experience
in such matters, any combination of English
artists that could have excelled-or even
equalled--the efforts Of Miss Rlchings' troupe
last evening, and it Is almost needless for us to
add that the fact is one in which we take no
little pride.
The accomplished and indefatigable direc
tress of the troupe, in heart and soul is Phila
delphian, who takes the liYellest interest in
everything pertaining to the welfare and ad.
yancement OF the City of Brotherly Love. The
darling object of her life has been to establish
an English opera troupe capable OF producing
in the best style the largest repertoire OF English
operas; and that she has succeeded even be-
y0nd her most sanguine expectations, the
various performances of her extremely talented
company in this city, New York, and through
out the States, bear the amplest testimony.
Their last engagement In New York was
one of the most brilliant and successful
ever known there; and, thus far, the present
season in Philadelphia has been financially and
artistically all that could have been desired.
The Richings Troupe, therefore, is now estab-
lished on firm and lasting foundation, and
hereafter we may count upon being treated to
regular seasons from it in our noble Academy.
In this connection, it might not be out of place
to say that probably the establishment of
popular tariff of prices of admission has
had something to do with the great
success of the heroulean undertaking;
but no matter what the cause or
causes may have been, the fact is patent to
every one that Miss RichIngs troupe Is an
acknowledged institution in art amongst us,
and. from present appearances, will long hold
together.to delight and improve us with its mas
terly renditions of good English opera.
Mr.. Castle, as we have already said, was
greeted with a monster audience last evening,
and his singing of the delicious music of his
role was such at times as to create perfect
J,rore among his delighted: listeners. His
"Fair Land of Poland. .""When Other Lips, and
the other gems that fall TO his lot in the
opera were all exqu1sitely rendered and heartily
encored, and his acting was almost equal to his
superb vocalization. Miss Rlchings' SPLENDID
soprano voice and matchless execution i'm
parted to the music of airline" O grace and q
beauty which invested her efforts with the
deepest interest and delight Her singing Of
the various gems that so abundantly strewed
her role elected the most hearty and enthusi-
astic applause, and the repetitions she was
called upon to execute seemed only to whet,
not satisfy, the appetite for "sweet sounds" of
her listeners.
The finest rendition, decidedly, of the plain
tive aria, "The Heart Bowed Down." was that
ofMr Campbell last evening, and the deafening
encore il received was every way deserVedly be-
slowed. Throughout the whole of his part Mr..
Campbell was the true, conscientious artist, and
his magnifcent voice seemed even In better
condition than ever. His acting, too, was highly
,commendable, and altogether his impersona-
ton was one of the most successful of the even.
ing. "Devilshoof' is one of MIR. Seguin's best
parts, and he infused into it last night the
utmost spirit of fun and comic JUNCTION. Mrs
Boudinot, as the "Gipsy Queen" also did well
and Mr.. Peakes was equally successful in his
character. MI Wylie, who performs the part
of the lover admirably in the Doctor Qf Al
contoYo, was excellent as the foppish Count, and
indeed the whole performance was worthy o
the opera ITSELF and the reputation of the artists
who took part in its production.
We are glad to see that this brilliant perform
ance is to be repeated this afternoon for matt
nee and we sincerely hope that another even
ing may be devoted to its presentation before
the season closes.