“CORK GRAND OPERA GROUP – Talented Singers For Next Week’s Production
The Cork Grand Opera Group made its debut in June last, when a very successful production of “Maritana” was given at the Coliseum Theatre for one week. The Group now announces its second production, which is on a much more ambitious scale, and will be presented at the Cork Opera House in the week commencing February 22nd.
Two of Verdi’s uperas are being produced — “La Traviata” and “Rigoletto” — the former on Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights of the week, and the latter on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights, and also for the matinee performance on Saturday.
Even though “Rigoletto” was written by Verdi in forty days, it has been described by experts as one of the almost perfect operas, and the crowning glory of Verdi’s early period. “La Traviata” abounds in charming lyrics and attractive choral numbers, and contains much of Verdi’s most haunting melodies.
The Group has an imposing array of guest singers engaged from leading English Opera Companies. The cast of “Rigoletto” includes Marion Studholme, principal soprano with Sadlers Wells Opera Co., who also sings regularly on the B.B.C. programmes. The tenor part will be sung by Kenneth MacDonald, who comes from the Festival Opera Company. William Dickie, who originally hailed from Belfast, takes the baritone role, which he has filled as guest artist in Italy. Bruce Dargavel, bass-baritone, needs little introduction to Cork music-lovers, as they have enjoyed his singing on former visits over the past few years. Pauline Faull who has made several British and Continental festival appearances fills the contralto part.
In addition to Bruce Dargavel, the cast of “La Traviata” will include Patricia Baird, the young Australian operatic soprano, Joan Booth, mezzosoprano and Brychan Powell, the leading Welsh operatic tenor, who has sung extensively with the Glyndebourne Opera and the Arts Council Grand Opera Group.
Tadhg O’Laoghaire, baritone, and R. J. Carlile, bass, two well-known local artistes also feature in the casts of both operas. ‘
The Group’s chorus which, apart from its success in “Maritana” last year, has been much appreciated at various concert appearances, will be supported by a specially augmented orchestra. The Cork Ballet Company under the direction of Joan Denise Moriarty will also feature in the productions. Decor is in the hands of Frank Sanquest. The musical direction is by Capt. R. B. Kealy, B.Mus., and production will be in the very exDert care of’James Stack.” (Evening Echo, Thursday, February 18, 1954; Page: 3)
Opera in Ireland 