Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-03

the different music of both operas has
been completely mastered.
Should this festival be attended with
the success 1t merits, II is proposed 10
form a permanent organization FOR the
production of several grand operas every
wear. Such a contamination Is devoutiy
to be wished. i have always maintained
that city without permanent operauc
establishment is not worthy OF the name
of a musical city. season OF opera
stirs I'D the musical atmosphere as does
no other kind of musical excitement
People VIGOROUSLY prefer spending their
money where they can see as well as
hear; where glittering costumes, absorb
ing dramatic action, not to mention
fashions presence. combine in brill
liant ensemble. There is something in
toxicating in an operate performance
which Is absent at concerts. The human
element enters into it largely, and human
passion Is more in evidence. The opera,
then. is the favorite diversion of all kinds
and conditions of men and women. Opera
should have q wonderful future here, if
only those who take the helm will steer
clear Of barrel-organ music.
THE CAST FOR MARTHA.
martha" will probably be sung the
opening night of the festival, October
2sth. and will be heard again at the
matinee on Saturday, and La Somnam-
bula" will be given Friday and Saturday
nights, October 18th and Goth. That is
the present arrangement, though it may
be changed. The cast for La Somnam-
bula" has not been definitely determined,
but that for Martha" is as follows:
Martha, Miss Lily Urquhart; Nancy,
Mrs. Il. r. Durett; Kitty Bell, Mrs. w.
Mercer: Liddy Well. Miss Elizabeth
Robins; Sally Fox Mrs. W. Reddy;
Lionel, Captain Frank Cunningham;
Tristram, Mr.. Charles Eubank; Plunkett,
Signor Campobello; The Sheriff, Mr..
Walter Mercer; Farmers. Messrs. j. i.
Tyler and Charles Canepa.
Martha" has been heard here so often
during the past four years that any allu-
sion to the work itself is almost super
fiuous. 1t affords, however, almost
illmitable scope for the introduction of
spectacular and speciality features, and
Signor Campobello, under whose direc-
ton the festival will take place, has
determined 10 turn it TO the utmost adj
vantage. The fair scene. for example,
where Martha and Nancy, those ladies
OF high degree, who disport themselves
as servants at the annual hring, VIII
be made into a brilliant spectacle. and
ali sorts OF advertisements will be in
troduced, making continuous pageant
OF an hours duration. The work alone.
with its superb color, its exquisite melo-
die episodes, and poetical glow and i'm
aginatiye power, would compel the at
tention of the public, and given In such
superb environment as that designed for
II, 1t should prove wholly Irresistible.
THE STORY OF SOMNAMBULA.
lie Somnambula" Is not so well known
here. and has not been heard in this city
for many years. The libretto was writ
ten by Felicio Rornani and the music
by Bellini. The scene Is laid In quiet
hamlet in Switzerland. The story opens
with the rejoicings Of the inhabitants.
who are abroad to celebrate a nuptial
contract between Amina, an orphan,
brought up by Theresa, mistress OF the
village mill, and Elvina, young land
owner. Lisa. the proprietress OF
the hotel OF the hamlet, who
had formerly been engaged to FL
vino, views the proceedings with Bit
terest jealousy. Just after the contract
Is signed q handsome stranger makes
his appearance upon the ccene. He is
welcomed and joins In the festivities,
paying much attention to the bride
elect, thereby arousing the jealousy of
Elyino. The stranger Is conducted to
the village inn. and In his sleeping
apartment no Is told by Lisa that his
Identity as the long absent lord OF tho
manor has been discovered. and that