BLANCHE ARRAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2069, 2 May 1907, Page 2

BLANCHE ARRAL.

Lovers of music, especially admirers of grand opera, which is so seldom heard in New Zealand, are promised a treat in the recitals of Madame Blanche Arral, the celebrated French primn donna, who will appear at His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday next. Madame Arral’s performances which have excited such general admiration in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington, Auckland and Dunedin will, even in this form be a considerable novelty, for the artiste will be supported by a number of first-class instrumentalists, who supply orchestral accompaniments, with adjuncts of elaborate costumes, denoting every individual character, and surrounded by appropriate scenery. Madame Arral has a great European and American repertoire, and has created leading roles in many wellknown operas. While fulfilling ae engagement at the Imperial Theatre, St. Petersburg, she was decorated by the Czar with the Order of Oldenburg. and has also earned the decoration of the Order of Medjidis, presented to her by the Khedive of Egypt. She brings with her a large wardrobe, containing costumes for all the numerous roles that she enacts also scenery and stage accessories. During her short season in Gisborne she will give excerpts from the following operas: “Mignon,” “Faust,” “Traviata,” “Lucia,” “If I Were King,” “Dinorah,” “Huguenots,” “L’Africaine,” “Wedding of Jeanette.” “Barber of Saville,” “William Tell.” “Borneo and Juliet,” and others. In addition to grand arias, of which no fewer than four will be given at'every concert, the diva will sing a number of well-known songs, included in which is a series of charming Spanish compositions, given with great verve and abandon, so characteristic of musical creations of this j nation. Madame Arral is supported by several excellent instrumentalists among which are Herr Paans, a brilliant violinist, and Signor Torzillo, a 1 ’--mist of note, who will play instru- ! rental selections at every concert. * die box plan will open on Friday £ morning at Mr. Miller’s. r