This establishment is to close for the season this (Saturday) evening, with a repetition of "Ll Barbiere," with Madame Patti as Rosina. Since our last notice of the performance, there bas been nothing to call for comment except the assumption by Madame Patti, for the first time this season, of the character of Margherita in "Faust"; and this is too familiar to need fresh detailed remarks. In vocal brilliancy (particularly in the "Jewel song," which was encored), and in dramatic feeling in the deeper situations towards the close of the opera, Madame Patti displayed all her well-known excellence. The cast, as on former occasions, included Mdlle. Stahl as Siebel, M. Gailhard as Mefistofele, Signor Nicolini as Faust, and Signor Cotogni as Valentino.
The principal artists of the establishment contributed to an attractive concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday afternoon, when the brilliant vocalisation of Madame Patti and Madame Albani, and excellent performances by other members—including the orchestra and chorus—made up a varied entertainment. Signor Bevignani and M. Dupont conducted.
Balfe's tuneful operetta, "The Sleeping Queen" (the libretto by Mr. Farnie) has been revived at the Avenue Theatre. The piece was first produced by Mr. German Reed at the Gallery of Illustration in 1864; and Balfe's pretty music seems likely again to become popular. Misses L. Clement and Trevelyan particularly distinguished themselves in their respective characters in Monday's revival of the piece.
Signor Di Giambattista gave a morning concert on Monday, when his programme included his performance of pianoforte pieces by classical masters, and some of his own composition.
A series of Saturday evening concerts begins at the Crystal Palace this week, conducted by Mr. Manns. The opening programme consisted of a varied selection of vocal and instrumental music, to which the regular orchestra of the establishment, the company's military band, and the Crystal Palace choir contributed.
The operatic class of students of the royal Academy of Music gave a performance of Mozart's "Cosi fan tutte" last Saturday, in which several pupils of that class gave evidence of the successful course of instruction pursued at the institution.
Mr. Carl Rosa, it is said, has secured Drury Lane Theatre for a series of performances of operas in English next spring.
Covent Garden Theatre will, as usual, be appropriated to Promenade Concerts during the autumn, beginning on Aug. 5—again under the conductorship of Mr. W. G. Crowe.
Source: The Illustrated London News, No.2255—Vol. LXXXI, Saturday, July 22, 1882, p.82