Evening star., 1899-01-02
AMUSEMENTS. A

GRAND OPERA SEASON.-Musical and
social circles of Washington are now in eX-
pectant mood anticipating the opening of a
brilliant opera season, with the keenest de-
sire to witness their realizations of a nota-
bic event in grand operatc productions
The company gathered together under the
managerial standard of Mr.. Charles A. Ell
lis is beyond any argument The strongest
aggregation of singing artists ever an
hounced for season in this city. The
steady financial encouragement given to
the difficult enterprise of establishing the
most ambitious and costly form of musical
entertainment has encouraged this impress
sarlo 10 allow no department of the 1ntri-
cate machinery of such organization to
escape his vigilant attention, nor any eX
pehse to prevent really splendid representa-
ions OF genuine grand opera That the
musical element among Washingtons popu-
idtlon should gather to the STANDARD OF Mr..
Ellis and give evidence of their heartiest
approval IN behalf of his efforts was al
most foregone conclusion. That they
nave by energetic and aggressive support
pfacuCaiiy accepted his promises at tneir
lace Faiue is also certain, as box Office re-
SUITS (the unerrIlg Indications of public in
tefest ana supporO will amply SHOW But
washington grand opera has gone even fur
ther IMAM the enlistment of the support of
musical enthusiasm. Society has given it's
stiollsest Endorsement to the enterprise, and
peerless voice salutes the audience in the
Lafayette Square Opera House the queen
ol song VIII be welcomed by an aSsemblase
ot SuCh social eminence as it is only posi-
PIE 10 gather in the nations capital The
BOXES on the main and mezzanine floors of
me Lafayette will be filed with the rarest
VI Nashlngtons feminine beauty and the
representative men of the capital and its
surroundings. 1t has been announced be-
lore that the season will be inaugurated by
u presentation of Gounods lovely opera,
romeo ct Juliette," given in French There
IS an interest in Shakespeare immortal
story that will live as long as love is the
ieNer that moves the universe and when
woven into the story of brave Romeos love
ana talr Juliette's death Is the beautiful
melody and the singing harmony of Gou-
mods genius, 1t is small wonder that as an
opera Romeo ct Juiette" is qualified as
a work of exceptional power The re-entree
OF Nine Melba into the field of her former
tflumphs is subject for felicitation That
w aShington should be able to say the great
est colatura singer in the world has elected
TINS opera as the vehicle of her first ap-
pearance of the season is a matter for gen
ulne congratulation. Another notable debut
VIII be made upon the opening ntght-that
OF NJ Bonnard, who will be Nine Melba's
principal support in the repertoire of French
opera. In honor of the occasion Mr. Ellis
mas clothed Romeo ct Juliette'' in new
Nestments, and the opera will have a bril-
ilant representation. The cast will be in all
respects worthy of the chief singers and
before the final word of commendation the
eXpectant public now awaits the actual per
fOrmance as the final justification of Mr.
EIlls promise to give Washington grand
onera worthy of the name in a city the
cn1efeSt OF all cities as the capital of the
United States