The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1922-05-16
REAL PROGRESS
MADE IN WORK
ON BIC OPERA
Rehearsals Progress Ra-
pidly and Good Presen-
tation is Assured Local
Music Lovers.

RehearSals tor the College opera
Samson and Delilah, are progressing
rapidly and the director, +. F. Beale,
states that all performers will be able
to put up good show when the time
arrives. The opera chosen this year
will be Samson and Delilah, by Saint
Saens. musical work of great beauty
The fact that this opera is a world
masterpiece and usually only sung in
the big opera houses, with az
lists like Caruso in the solo parts,
makes the College ambition most
notable one. In spite of all the diff
culties that are naturally present in a
performance of big work like Sam
son and Delilah, Mr. Beale is conf
dent his forces will succeed very well
in carrying it off in splendid shape.
The dates set are two nights, Mon
day and Tuesday, May % and 80. at
the American Theatre The Glee Club
chorus will number about 90 voices
and as there are some fine chorus
numbers in the opera, the Glee Club
will have plenty of chance to show
their abilities. Past opera productions
at the College lead one to expect some
fine singing by the young College stu
dents. Yet music of this sort is never
quite SO effective as when it has the
support of the accompaniment intend
ed by the composed and so the man
agement is sparing no expense in the
way of an orchestra so that the opera
may be adequately presented. A large
orchestra of about 80 players, mostly
professionals, is engaged. This will be
we'll worth hearing and makes this
years opera stand out as a real big
music event
There are three leading SOLO parts In
the opera, Samson, the leading tenor
will be sung by Clarence Biggs, whose
fine voice will be heard to advantage
ing this role. Mr.. Biggs recently sang
Faust in Boise and made a big hit
there. The High Priest of Dagon
| is the role for baritone and a capable
singer is needed for This part Mr.
| Elmer Fox has been engaged and
will handle the part with great credit.
His long experience as singer in
Chicago will enable him to sing his
difficult hole with distinction. There
is only one solo part for female voice
| -, he q. ~, e
Delilah which will be sung by Miss
Eileen McCalla of Boise Miss Nc
Gala is singer who has had splen-
did advantages under the finest teach
ers in the East and brings to her
task in this opera fine voice, which
she used with skill, intelligence and
musical feeling. The part of Delilah
contains some of the finest music in
the opera, one of which at least is
loved the world over for its beautiful
melody, In Miss McCalla this role
will have the best interpreter
possible.
Samson and Delilah, with its cap
able array of soloists, large orchestra
and glee club chorus of established
reputation, is high mark in College
of Idaho music performances. Repre-
senting as it does so much hard work
on the part of all concerned, sonsider-
able financial risk, and an effort to
maintain high standard of musical
activities in the city, it behooves the
whole community to support the pro-
duction. Monday nights perform.
ance is reserved for the Lyceum tick
ct holders tho there are a few seats
to be had for this night. Tuesday
night is for the general public, 1t is
to.be noted that the seating capacity
of the Theatre is limited and so seat.
should be reserved early, .Colleg,
opera performances are usually prett,
we'll sold out Seats may be reserved
at the Theatre beginning Monday Ma,
tN Parties from out of town ar,
expected. 1t is rumored that Bois,
friends of Miss McCalla will iargel,
attend.