The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-10-29
THE OPERA FESTIVAL.
ia SOMNAMBULAv GIVEN IN a
CREDTTABLE HINNER.
4 Large and Apprcciative Audience wit
messed the Performance--Miss Booker
Made . Fine Impression.

Mr. l.. Camp0bcilo for The 5eneht OF the
Rosemary Library was creditably done.
Allowances should always be made In
criticism az amateurs 10 would not be
fair 20 compare such talent with the work
OF trained operate singers Usually the
audience IS apt 10 De TOO severe in esu-
mating the merits OF such a cast as gave
the opera last night.
In an fairness 20 both cast and chorus.
and without any desire 10 lose sight OF
the few crude points in the performance.
n was done Boz good taste and with
snooihncss and pleasing effect that were
meritor0us az praise. Some Of the sing
ere never appeared before large auui-
ence until last NIGHT. Still. there was not
bitch in the entire production and sew
eral OF thc scenes were as clevcrly pre-
scented a. is often done By professional
companies.
= LARGE AUDIENCE.
some time before The hour announced
Their. was "a fairly good audience, which
steadily Increased in size untl the cur
tain went up. when there was a large
and fashionable house. 10 MAS weh-
dressed aadieucc. and many or the most
prominent people OF Richmond were pres
fnt.
opera NeNa - fANlNit fANNNA 81
theme and 40 times there would be sug-
Ecsfion OF monotony but for the sweet
ness of many OF the melodies. There is a
sofiness and dclicacy in a number Of the
songs that cause one 10 lose sight Of the
kct that the score varies too seldom for
spirit and that degree OF interest which
n aroused hy such variety as Is noticeable
iu most Of De kovcns works. Here and
there a dainty melody with always an APP
go Hfa f.f fslafnllFc ID
the cast and the chorus as "a whole hold
the attention Of one with an ear for har-
mony and "a certain sympathy OF CHORDS
pervades the entire work.
The cast as d whole did highly credit
ablo work. AZ times there was a sug-
gestion NJ stage fright. but as the audi
enc appauded and gave unmistakable
evidences Of their appreciation the singers
appeared 10 grow more confident. and
sang with more spirit and finish.
MISS HOOhEKS SPLENDID WORK.
AS Amina Miss Bette Booker made
deep Impression upon her hearers. She
was in fine voice, and demonstrated be-
yond doubt that there is a bright future
FOR her ln her chosen work. Her voice
was clear and sweet last night Each note
was true and beautifully modulatcd.
There was a certain sympathy and soft
ness Of expression that showed the sim
gers interest in and appreciation Of her
part
Her stage presence was graceful and IN
good taste and now and then there was
a suggestion Of dramatic power that was
strongly in her favor
Nrs Walter c. Mercer sang the part
Of Lisa with much sweetness. She was
freely spplauded, and once had 10 respond
10 an encore.
AS Theresa Mrs. John r. Durrett threw
a good deal OF spirit into her work. and
gave d very pleasing portrayal Of the
character
Mr D. Campobello. Sir. Charles Eubank
and Mr j. r.. Tyler were creditable I'm
their respective roles. and Chevalier Dam
&C. deb Papa was much at ease as Elvino.
A striking feature Of the production was
the chorus which was made up OF some
forty voices. They sang with admirable
effect The chorus was strong and well
trained.
MANY BEAUTIFUL COSTUMES.
A distinctive feature OF the two pro-
ducuons was the handsome costumes
worn.
In the first oct Of 'Ia somnambula."
1i4s Bette Booker wore gray satin,
and ia the third "a gown of white crepe.
Mrs Dmrctt was seen iu "a peasants
dress. yellow satin skirt blue velvet boz
dice orrandie apron and blouse. and in a
Mrs Walter Mercer wore pea
SAINT costume. blue satin skirt. black veil
vet bands. black velvet bodice. and court
costume. white organdie over white satin.
Miss Eunice Walker peasant costume.
pink satin skirt striped with black vel
vet black velvet bodice. court-scene cos
tune. pink null over pink silk.
Miss Lcda Williams. peasants cos
tune, blue satin skirt, black velvet
bands. and black velvet bodice court
scene costume. white organdie over white
silk
Miss Nellie Birdsoug. peasants cos
tune. satin skirt couleur paille. black
velvet bciero. court-scene costume, white
crepe and sage velvet pearl passemen-
terie
Miss Bessie Nowlln. peasant costume.
red crepe skirt black velvet bolero or
candle blouse. court costume. white or
candle over blue silk.
Miss Mcra, peasant costume, pink and
blue crepe skirt. black velvet bodice. lace
apron. 0rgandie blouse. court costume.
pink and silver br1cade.
Miss Florence Wilson. pink taffeta silk
with trimmings OF sccordeOu-pleated chlf-
fou
Miss Kate Bldgood green tanota silk.
with pearl trimmings.
AANH" ifiaA 'NN AlllNl lNfNf lAAh NAWNdAfA
silk real lace. and. second costume. blue
skirt black velvet bodice and white
lawn waist. She wore handsome family
diamonds
Miss Charlotte Redford. peasant cos
tune. blue satin. black velvet bands.
black velvet bodice. court-scene costume
white orrandle over white taffcta silk
Miss Mamie McCrcery: Peasant cos
tumc-huc skirt black velvet bodice:
court-scenc costume-Whlte organdie over
pink SILK.
Miss $. II. McCreery: Peasant cos
tumo-hue satin skirt black velvet bo-
dice court-sccne costlme-White organ
die
Miss Mamie McCrecry: Black satin
bodice. yellow skirt, court-scene costume
white organize over pink tafeta.
THE OPERA
Ga Somnambuia' was written IN 1891.
and is the work of Nincenzo BeIini. one
OF the most celebrated operate composers
o. the modern Italian school.
Bellnl came from family % music
fans. and besides tho operas which are
the works OF his genius. he has written
masses cantatas and other sacred COM
positions
The names and dates ~ four OF Bellini's
oreras familiar 20 most lovers OF modern
italian music are Il Montecchi Capu-
lett" Og0 in which the part Of Romeo
Sc a favorite one with contraitos: Ia
somrambula" GND; Norma, beihh