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Unique opera exhibition hits
the right note at Central Library
AN exhibition dedicated to the history
of the world's longest running touring opera company is ready to be opened at
Liverpool's Central Library.
The Carl Rosa Opera Company was founded in the 19th Century and specialised in
bringing opera in English to all classes and corners of Britain. The Company
staged many operatic firsts, including the English language premieres of The
Merry Wives of Windsor, Carmen and Aida, and premieres of La Boheme and Hansel
and Gretel. Their last performance took place in 1960.
Rare documents of international importance will occupy more than 70 metres of
shelf space in the Hornby Library, including:- orchestral sets for more than 100
operas, manuscripts, photographs, business archives and historic editions of
Mozart operas which date back to the 1820's.
Liverpool has been selected as the location to host the showcase as at 1 time
1 of the conductors of the company; Eugen?Goosens; lived in Liverpool
during the 1870's. It is also on record that the company had an extremely
successful 5 week season in the City performing at The Royal Court Theatre with
each night "crowded in every corner."
The exhibition will be opened, on Saturday, 19 November 2016, at 2.15pm, and throughout the afternoon
there will be recitals by students from Liverpool Hope University. The showcase
will be on display until Friday, 23 December 2016.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, Councillor Wendy
Simon, said:- "The Carl Rosa Opera Company is regarded as the most
influential opera company ever to have existed in the UK, and so it's a huge
coup for the City that Central Library is playing host to these incredible
pieces of music history.
Set in the stunning surroundings of the Hornby Library, this will be must visit
exhibition for music buffs."
All the exhibits are on loan from The Carl Rosa Trust. |
