The Grand Italian Opera Company began a week's engagement at the Mechanics' Building last night, when Mme. Albani and Sig. Tamagno appeared in Verdi's opera, "Otello." The experiment of converting the huge hall of the Mechanics' Building into an auditorium is not a success; it is impossible for the members of the company to do themselves justice in this hall, and the pleasure of hearing them is on this account seriously marred. Taking this into consideration the production of "tOello" may be said to have been a success. Mme. Albani was at her best, and carried off the honors of the evening; her singing in the first scene of the last act aroused great enthusiasm. Sig. Tamagno was not heard at his best; nevertheless he made a very favorable impression, and his appearances during the remainder of the engagement will be watched for with great interest. The supporting company is a strong one; the work of the chorus in the first and second acts was especially commendable.

Tonight Mme. Patti will be heard in "Semiramide."