New-York tribune., 1918-01-29
Amelita Calli-Curci Sum-
moned Before Curtain 90
Times at the Lexington
Called Successor
To Adelina Patti
Great Audience Thrilled by
Soprano in Title Role
Of "Dinorah"

Musical New York last night capitu
lated to the voice and charms Of new
opera star.
Amclita li-Curci, colaratura So
prano Of the Chicago Opera Company,
who two short years ago knocked in
vain at the austerc portals Of impre-
sarios of this city and bcsought at
least an opportunity to prove herself
was hailed by great audience in the
Lexington Theatre last night. Among
other enthusiastic comment heard upon
all sides from the lips OF competent
judges, perhaps the most significant
was:
"A worthy successor TO Adelina
Patti!"
Whether this new star may
be rated a Patti. it. is a certainty that
as a true artistic she has not been sur
passed on the operate stage in many
years. If nothing else could attest to
that tribute, the more than sixty cur
tain recalls she was called upon to
make and the fact that an encore was
UcIuuIlUcU UN Hcr AUDITORS would Dc Il
sutlicicncy.
At Her Best in 'lDinorah"
The starring vehicle provided for. II or
by Cleofontc Campanini, the general di-
rector of the company. offered rare or
portunity to the hitherto unknown
singer. AS Dinorah in Meycrbcer's
opera of that name her remarkable
voice WAS at its best.
After her every effort Galli-Curci
vas the recipient Of an ovation. Wom-
en- in the audience rose and waved in
an ecstasy OF pride at her perfection.
"Bravos" were shouted from every
nook and corner of the crowded theatre,
and it was impossible at times to pro-
ceed with the opera until the new star
had responded time and again to the
entreaties of her audience.
The greatest of all the demonstra-
tions was given at the end Of the
SHADOW Aria,' in the second act of
the production, wherein Dinorah. alone
in a wooded grove at night, sings with
JOY when the moonlight casts her
shadow at her feet. 1t was in this aria
that her voice was at its best, and
the audience was so persistent in its
enthusiasm that an encore followed.
No fewer than twcnty-four bows We're
taken by Galli-Curci at this juncture.
Notable Triumph
The triumph of tho opera singer is
notable one for her. After a success
sion of successes in Italy and South
America she came to New York two
years ago and asked recognition.
Giulio GattiCasazza, one OF the
foremost impresarios of the world and
director of the Metropolitan Opera
Company. at that time heard the cdm-
parativcly unknown singer and his Yer
dict was not favorable. 1t is said that
too much vibration in Galli-Curci's s
voice, defect which, if it were there
at that time, certainly has been entirely
eradicated.
1t was not until she visited Campo
mini that her chance was obtained. He
Immediately engaged her upon hearing
her voice, and her triumph last night
is no less one for him.
Her debut in America was made in
Chicago, and dispatches from the
Middle West at that time were en-
thusiastic in their acclaim Of the new
conner. But New York was skcptical
last night, and it was a critical au-
diencc Gall-Curci faced. But there
was not the slightest vestigc of ner-
vousness as she made her appearance,
entirely sclf-posscssed.
Applauded Behind the Scenes
Back of the scenes there was pande-
monium when GalliCurci had taken
her last curtain call and the house
electrician had blinked out the lights
on an audience that wanted still to
cheer and applaud.
After the finale, stage hands, me-
chancians and property men had de-
serted the fly floors and mingled with
the members of the company who
crowded close to the wings.
Eyes afre, face flushed beneath the
makeup, the prma donna who had
conquered New York made her last
bow A happy, nervous little smile
came and went as she made her way
through the crowd that blocked her
way back stage.
Campanini was waiting to shake
the diva's hand to whisper his congrat
ulations. his thanks. Once in her room
Galli-Curci sat down at her dressing
table and stared long and hard into
the mirror. She looked at the hug
bouquets hcaped around the room.
at has been wonderful" she said. :"
wanted to prove myself here in New
York-that's ALL"
The "standing room only" sign wal
out early last night. Hundreds of per
sons we're turned away unable to gatr
admittance to the theatre, while insid,
enthusiasts were standing in twelve O
ira floor.