CLARÍN
(July 10, 1949)

     CLARÍN: "The Teatro Colón offered the traditional Gala Performance".
    
     At the conclusion of several events scheduled to commemorate Independence Day, there was the traditional gala performance at the Teatro Colón attended by the high authorities of the nation, members of the diplomatic corps, chiefs of the armed forces, legislators, and special guests.
     The president of the republic, accompanied by his wife, Doña María Eva Duarte de Perón, arrived at 21:12, and was received in the grand entrance hall by the municipal intendant, the director of the theater, and other dignitaries of the house mentioned. He was escorted by the chief of the presidential guard between a double row of grenadiers. The chief executive and his retinue went immediately to their antepalco [box’s foyer], while the large audience standing along the route taken by General Perón went to their seats. After a few minutes, the chief executive entered the presidential box greeted with warm applause. Señora de Perón, accompanied by the wives of the ministers of the executive branch and the presidents of both legislative chambers, occupied the avant-scène box at the right. When the applause that saluted the president and his wife quieted, the program prepared for the evening began with the National Hymn sung by the chorus of students of the Municipal Conservatory "Manuel de Falla", conducted by maestro Panizza.

     The performance: The first part of the program included excerpts from Bellini’s Norma and Gou- nod’s Faust; the overture and "Casta diva" from the former, and the scene and "Jewel Song" of the latter. Soprano Maria Callas interpreted the beautiful aria of Bellini with the same characteristics that we reviewed in her recent performance. The young Argentinean soprano Helena Arizmendi, whose appearance on the local music scene has had promising acceptance, performed the Gounod excerpt with great dramatic interpretation and beautiful vocal compass. The program concluded with the last act of Turandot by Puccini, sung by the same cast as in recent performances. Leading the cast were Maria Callas, Mario del Monaco, Helena Arizmendi, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, and Renato Cesari. The orchestral direction by Tullio Serafin was conducted with notable professional ability.

     Other details: During the intermission, the authorities went to the theater’s Salón Dorado, where they were served refreshments. All guests from the boxes and the orchestra were invited. The chief executive toasted the well-being of the Republic, and later went to his antepalco with some national and foreign executives. The interior of the theater was decorated with flowers and Argentinean flags, and the grenadiers formed an honor guard in the corridors and stairs that led to the Foyer of Busts.
     After the performance, president Perón and his wife left immediately among audience applause, while the large number of people, gathered around the theater, repeatedly hailed the name of the chief executive. It was 24:15 hours.