This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
OR, COLONISTS—PAST AND PRESENT.
241

the church choir of his native town, and at the age of seventeen, his voice then being very powerful, acting on the advice of Signer Soletti, he was sent to Milan to finish his studies. In this city he was readily admitted to the Boyal Conservatorio of Music by Professor Lauro Bossi, who was considerably surprised at the manner in which young Ziliani passed the required preliminary examination. He here studied vocal music under Professor B. Prati, and the Solfeggio system under Professor G. Nava. In the examination at the end of the year 1867 he received the "Great Menzione" (an honour only bestowed upon superior students), and was also exempted from payment of school fees for the following year. In 1868 he was the recipient of the "Great Menzione" in the first grade, and of the pension given by the Government to enable pupils to proceed with their studies. In 1869 he took another first prize, and his pension was increased. He took part in the Academy of 1869-70, and for three year^ held the responsible position of instructing pupils in the Conservatorio. At his final examination he sang with great success the "Romanza dell' Ebrea d'Alevy," was awarded the diploma of professor of singing, and given a final first prize and a medal For seven years Signor Ziliani gave singing lessons in Milan, and during that period had the satisfaction of preparing several of the most notable vocal artists for the stage. Many of these are still following their profession in the leading theatres of Europe, viz.—Signori Antonio Puto, and Emilio Isamat (baritones); Signorine Maddalena Porta, and Enrichetta Lasauca (sopranos); Fausto Bellotti, Astorre Stucci (tenors); Celeste Saccardi, and Abulcher Leoni (bassos). Signor Ziliani was instructor of the chorus for the Royal Theatre of St. Carlo, at Lisbon, Portugal, and spent one season in that capacity. He was highly complimented by the press for the effective manner in which the chorus sang their part in all the great operas, and especially in Verdi's fine mass, and he was asked to accept