LA PRENSA
(July 10, 1949)

     LA PRENSA: "The Gala performance at the Colón".

     Last night the traditional Gala performance took place at the Colón. The performance began with the National Hymn sung by the chorus of the students of the Municipal Conservatory "Manuel de Falla", which maestro Héctor Panizza rendered with precise rhythm and noble expressiveness.
     The lyric program developed in the following form: the scene "Casta diva" from Norma by Bellini, with the soprano Maria Callas and bass Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, in which they repeated their well-conceived interpretation under the direction of maestro Tullio Serafin, who had been the conductor of this work during the season; scene and "Jewel Song" from Faust by Charles Gounod, with Helena Arizmendi in the role of Marguerite, sung by this soprano with agility and fresh voice, security, grace in diction, and fine musical style. Maestro Panizza conducted with his usual authority. In the third act of Turandot they (Maria Callas, Mario del Monaco, Helena Arizmendi, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, Renato Cesari, Roberto Maggiolo, Carlos Giusti, and Virgilio Tavini, directed by maestro Serafin) repeated their interpretation which we reviewed when this opera was first performed during the season.
     The conductors, as well as the singers, were highly celebrated by the large audience for their beautiful artistic work.