In giving premières of three notable contemporary works within the space of four weeks, the Zürich Stadttheater recently proved its outstanding artistic capacity.

The performance of Richard Strauss's Arabella, which took place on the 21st October, was of great importance, in the first place because of Professor Rudolph Hartmann's new production, but also on account of the re-casting of the leading parts, especially the title role sung by Lisa della Casa, on whom the audience's main interest was concentrated. Her achievement was constantly compared to the magnificent performance with which Maria Cebotari triumphed at the last Zürich performance in 1946. Lisa della Casa held her own even against that dazzling memory.