Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-28
THE OPERA TONIGHT,
LA s0xNAMBULA THE OPENING
BILL OF THE FESTIVAL.
SIGEOR DEL PAPES UNIQUE ALBUM,
II Contains Hearty Testimonials
from the Host Noted Musicians In
the world-Everything Points to
Artistic, Financial, Social Success.

All arrangements are complete for the
opening performance Of the grand
opera festival. at the Academy tonight.
The bill will be la Sonnambula" and
this opera will also be given at matinee
performance on Saturday. Tomorrow
and Saturday nights Martha" will be
sung by a different cast The final re-
hearsal will take place at the Academy
this morning with full orchestra and
scenery.
Everything IS running as well and as
smoothly as possible, and great treat
Is undoubtedly in store for those VINO
are fortunate enough to hear the opera
sung.
The cast for La Sonnambula" is as
follows: Amlna, Miss Betty Burwe.l
Booker; Elvino. Signor Dante del Papa
Count Rodolph, Signor Campobello'
Notary. Mr.. j. Il. Tyler. Jr.; Teresa
Mrs. Duret; Lisa. Mrs. w. Mercer
CHEVALIER DEL PAPA HERE.
Chevalier del Papa arrived here yes
terday. and took part in the rehearsal
last night. He sang his part with nne
effect and Il could easily be seen that
he is a capable actor as well as a hnished
vocalist Personally. he Is charming
man; he has travelled extensively, ana
ne is intimately acquainted with some OF
the worlds greatest musicians. He has
many OF their autographs in dainty
album which was given to him some
years ago in Rome by Madame Emma
Nevada Palmer.
The first and second pages OF the book
are dedicated to LA Musica." Beginning
at the lower right-hand corner and
traversng the first page Is sprig OF
ivy, carefully glued to the paper and
bearing the date, "Pallaura, I Ottobre,
1882" The leaves of the ivy are spread
to the right and left. and written among
these leaves are sentiments expressing
the feelings inspired by music in such
famous writer's. philosophers, and musi-
clans as Plato, Socrates, Aristotle
Luttero, Beethoven. Mazzini, George
Sand. and Massino d'Azeglio.
SOME FAMOUS AUTOGRAPHS.
The book contains an autograph Of Am
broise Thomas, the composer of "Mignon
Next follows that of Nine. Marchesi,
probably the greatest vocal teacher OF
the century. She has written in beautifui
manuscript a few bars of difncuit
study, and below she has afi1xed her
signature, with the words: ITO the Illus
trious artist singer Signor Dante del
Papa, as a token OF sincere admiration
for his exquisite talent
Then follows an inscription from the
two de Reszkes. which reads: My Dear
del Papa.-You know how to sing! You
are true artist, and we are most happy
to have made your acquaintance. DO not
foroa4 your davoted friends EdouaTd and
Jean de ResZke.'
An Inscription of Signor Mancinelli, the
eminent composer and conductor, bears
reneating II runs: ITO the excellent
artist and my dear friend, Del Papa"
There are complimentary remarks from
Ponchelli. the composer of La Giacon-
da". from Boito, the composer of "Mehs-
tofele": from Padilla, Durand, Palloni,
Razzini Gomez, Cogoni, Ratoli, Bevig-
mani. Nine Emma Eames Story. Nine
Sofia Scalchi. and host OF others. no
toll. the veteran composer and teacner'
has composed a few bars Of music, and
above he has sketched an excellent car
cature of himself.
HIS FAVORITE CHARACTER.
Elyino. the character in which Del Papa
appears tonight. Is one OF his favorites'
and one in which he has made possible
his greatest success.
Misss Booker and other members Of tie
cast are all in splendid voice. and the
chorus is efficient
Tbe advance sale OF seats has been
very hattering and there is every indica-
ton that the Academy will be crowded
with a large and fashionable audience
when the curtain rises tonight.