Carmen was chosen to open the visit of two weeks. As usual, the programme for the first week (which survives in Edinburgh Council library) states that the programme for the second week 'will be duly announced'. The works programmed include the first performances in Scotland of Manon and Nadeshda, along with old favourites, uncluding the sure fire box office success, Bohemian Girl. The company was described as 'world renowned' and promoted as including full band, chorus and ballet.
Marie Roze was an extremely popular French soprano who spent most of her career in Britain, having married the son of the operatic impresario Col. Mapleson. She was particularly noted for her interpretations of three recently-composed French classics, Marguerite, Carmen and Manon.
The English translation of Carmen by Henry Hersee, himself a successful baritone, continued in use for several decades.
A cast for the performance of 4 December can be found in the archives of the Mitchell Library.
Leslie Crotty (Nov 9)
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