"A notable springtide engagement at the Alexandra Theatre is the visit of the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company. The public of Greenock remember with keen delight the performances last year by this admirable combination of artistes, and the full house last night was only what was to be expected. The name Carl Rosa, indissolubly associated as it is with grand opera, is a never-failing draw. What magical effect it works upon the public mind, what enthusiasm it invokes! Certain it is that in the company, as at present constituted, there is a brilliancy and power which entitle it to the high place it holds in the affections of the music-loving people in Britain. Than Wagner's Lohengrin no more popular opera could have been chosen for the opening night. It is a work haunting, melodious in character, and on the histrionic side the audience get something that grips. This much can be gathered from an outline of the story..."
"...Such is the music-drama of the Knight of the Swan. Heavy demands are made on its interpreters, and that these were fully met yesterday evening will be the verdict of all who witnessed what was a finished and highly delightful, if somewhat late, performance - it was after eleven o'clcok when the curtain was finally rung down."
"The majestic grandeur of the music was at times most impressive. All the principals were in capital voice, and a cordial welcome was given Mr Julius Walther, who again appeared in the mystical role of Lohengrin. He has a fine presence, to which are added gifts of a high order. Histrionically, no less than vocally, his assumption of the part was excellent. Elsa, one of the most difficult of Wagner's feminine characters to realise dramatically, found a worthy exponent in Miss Grace Nicholl. She had much to do , and did it well, her singing throughout being marked by clear and audible articulation, and a simple beauty of intonation, which never failed to charm. Mr Dillon Shallard gave a powerful interpretation of the part of Telramund; as Ortrud, Madame Marie Alexander also shared in the honours; Mr John Ebbeler was dignified and acceptable as the King; and in the declamatory work of the Herald, Mr Frederick Clendon was heard to advantage. A feature of the performance was the easy familiarity of the principals with every detail of their respective roles, and the effectiveness of the ensemble. The dressing was picturesque, the choristers were alert and satisfying, and the augmented orchestra , led by Mr Eugene Goossens, went through their exacting task in a manner which brought to light the characteristics of the opera, albeit the wind instruments were occasionally a little too prominent. The feelings of the audience were expressed in spontaneous and unstinted applause, recalls being frequent."
In 1907, Carl Rosa Opera in Scotland spent two weeks at the Glasgow Grand, one at the Alexandra, Greenock and finally one at Edinburgh King’s Theatre (7.30;2pm)
w/c 25 February Mon Marriage of Figaro; Tue Trovatore; Wed Merry Wives of Windsor; Thu Fidelio Fri Cavand Pag; Sat m Tannhauser; Sat e Rigoletto.
w/c 4 Mar Mon Don Giovanni; Tue Lohengrin; Wed Faust; Thu Carmen; Fri Fidelio; Sat m Merry Wives of Windsor; Sat m Trovatore.
w/c 11 Mar Mon Lohengrin; Tue Marriage of Figaro; Wed; Thu Fidelio; Fri Merry Wives of Windsor; Sat m Tannhauser; Sat e Faust.
w/c 18 Mar Mon Tannhauser; Tue Don Giovanni; Wed Carmen; Thu Faust; Fri Merry Wives of Windsor; Sat m Fidelio; Sat e Trovatore.
4 Merry Wives of Windsor; Fidelio.
3 Trovatore; Tannhauser; Faust; Carmen
2 Marriage of Figaro; Don Giovanni; Lohengrin.
1 Rigoletto; Cav and Pag.
12 operas, 28 performances QED.
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