The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-07-21
operate Gossip.
From the Phlladelphla press.

The various managers are now busily en-
gagged in re0rganizing their companies and
making arrangements for the next season.
Matters are in rather an unsettled state at
present, and the managers themselves
scarcely know what their programmes will
be. Mrs. Bernard, however, has re0rgan-
lied her English opera company, and
made an official announcement Of the fact.
The new troupe will hardly compare with
the old one, from appearances, although it
would be unjust to give a positive opinion
on this subject prematurely. Messrs. Cas-
tie, Campbell, and Mr.. and Mrs. Seguin,
have seeded and joined the forces of Mad
anne Parepa-Rosa. Mr.. Campbell will be
succeeded by Mr.. Henry Drayton, an English
baritone, who appeared here about ten
years ago, with his wife, in series of
pretty little "parlop operas" Mr. Dray-
toms voice at that time was not as good as
Mr.. Campbell's, and it is scarcely likely
that it has improved during the last de-
cade. He is q good actor, however, and is
likely to be a strong member Of the COM
pany. Mr.. Haigh, the new tenor, who
will succeed Mr.. Castle, is n new man, of
whom little is known. Like all English
tenors, he is said to be equal to Sims
Reeves, but this we may be permitted to
doubt Competent judges pronounce Sims
Rcevcs's voice to be the finest tenor in Eu-
rope, but lie is worse than no actor :;
and although we hope that Mr.. Haigh
may be an exception, the majority of Eng
lish tenors have ali extremely bad habit Of
initiating his vicious style. Mr.. Castle
could act tolerably well in some parts if he
chose to make the effort, and, as tenors go,
he might even be counted good actor. 1t
is to be hoped that his successor is no worse
in the dramatic line than he is. Mr.. Brook
house Bowler, the other new tenor, has
strong and reasonably good voice; as to his
abilities as an actor we know nothing. Mrs.
Bowler, who will take the place of Mrs. Sc
guin as leading contralto, has appeared
here in some OF the spectacular pieces that
have been brought out during the past few
years, and she will scarcely rival that at
tractive little lady in the affections of the
public. Mr.. James Arnold, who has been en-
gagged as buffo baritone, is not a competent
successor to Mr.. Seg1in. The other MEM
bcrs of the troupe, except Mr.. Warren
White, late Of the Galton troupe, who has
been engaged as second basso, and who is
scarcely an acquisition of much importance,
were all members OF the old organization.
Mr. Pierre Bernard will fill the position OF
second tenor, Mr.. James Peakes principal
basso, and Miss Anna Mischka second So
prano Mrs. Bernard will of course Off
ciatc as first soprano, and the efficiency Of
the troupe would be increased if she could
secure competent singer to assist her in
the leading roles. Miss Edith Abel, who
sang with the troupe last season, gave pro-
mise of excellence, but she went upon the
stage without sufficient experience, and hei
voice lacked the culture necessary for the
execution Of the more difficult music.
Mr.. Pcnnoycr, the business agent OF the
Richin-s Troupe, during his soiourn i'll Eu-
rope for the purpose o. procuring new
singers, has obtained the scores of several
new operas, which will be brought out next
season. Mr. S. Bchrens will lead the
orchestra.
Madame Parcpa Rosa has secured Mcssrs
Castle, Campbell, and Mr.. and Mrs. Seguin,
and Mr.. Albert Lawrence, an English bari
tone, of whom VIC know nothing. The othe,
positions in tho troupe have not been filed
It is reported that Madame Rosa will bring
out d number of novelties as well as some
old operas that are so seldom performed
| that they arc az good as new. It would be
well for both of the English opera troupes
10 lay some Of tho wcll-known pieces on the
shelf, and give the public good works which
have not been done to death.