This was the second season in Glasgow by the Beecham Grand Opera Company, starting on the Monday with The Magic Flute, still classed ass a rarity. It was followed on Tuesday by another ambitious project, in Verdi's Otello.
One interesting feature of this restaging of The Magic Flute is the translation used. Edward J Dent had introduced his English performing version in 1911 and it made performances popular. Yet here the translator is stated to be Samuel Langford, a journalist who was chief of the Manchester Guardian for many years.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the casting is the presence of Agnes Nicholls as Pamina. She was clearly an extremely versatile singer, known for her repertoire of dramatic Wagnerian roles. However, with orchestras frequently being much smaller for these touring companies, perhaps a more lyrical sound was appropriate.
Cast details are from a programme in the A M Gardiner collection at the Mitchell Library.
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