22 APRIL 1854, Page 9

The new operatic establishment at Drury Lane has set about

doing what the Royal Italian Opera, when first established, professed the in- tention of doing—placing an entertainment hitherto exclusively enjoyed by the richer classes within the reach of the general public. "The Royal Opera" is to continue open during the whole season at the English playhouse prices. Its repertoire is to include the greatest works of the Italian and German stage, given in their original languages, and per- formed in the style and with the completeness of the principal Conti- nental theatres. The performance of Norma, the only opera yet pro- duced, has shown that this is no idle boast. The orchestra (under Lind- paintner) and the chorus are quite satisfactory both as regards strength and quality ; and all the accessories of the stage are liberally and hand- somely provided The opera, as a whole, is effectively performed. Ma- dame Caradori's Norma, though occasionally exaggerated,_ shows vocal power and dramatic energy ; and Mademoiselle Sedlatzek's Adalgisa is one of the best we have met with—full of grace, sweetness, and feeling. The Polio and the °mese are at least respectable. The theatre opened on Easter Monday, with a good prospect of success : the house was crowded, and the performance was received with every mark of satisfac- tion.