MELBA IN CANADA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2622, 18 November 1915, Page 3

MELBA IN CANADA

FOR THE RED CROSS GREAT WELCOME AT TORONTO Writing on October 15, the Toronto correspondent of tlie "Musical Courier" says;— ''Hundreds vainly endeavoured to gain admittance to Mme. Melba's concert given in aid of the Red Cross 011 Monday evening, October 4. Massoy Music Hall presented a brilliant scene, and one which will be recorded by many a generation. Lord Richard Neville, representing the Governor-Gen-eral of Canada, His Royal Highness the Duke of Conhauglit, and the Duolioss of Connnught, came from Ottawa as chief patron -of the event. With him hi the first balcony, directly opposite the stage, wore Sir John Hendrie, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, and Lady Hondrio. The hall was filled with' a notable and enthusiastic throng, even a large portion of tho stage being occupied by many persons. Red, white, and blue bunting' decorated boxes and balconies; flags were gracefully festooned, while above the stage, on the southern wall, a large red cross gave significance to the much-heralded occasion. The assisting artists, all members of the prima donna's concert company, were worthy of high praise: Beatrice Harrison, 'cellist; Robert Parker, bari-

tone: and' Frank St. Legere, pianist. Ten Highland pipers, accompanied by two drummers, mn relied down the centre aisle, and Mine. Melba, advancing on tho stage, sang the national -anthem., in which the assembly of about 4000 people joined her rapturously. Three cliGors for the King, o-iul then again "for our brave soldiers," followed/ y The prima donna looked ■ extremely well after her long trip from Australia and' sojourn en route on the Pacific Coast. Her beautiful gow.n was of rose-ooUnired silk, with jewelled waist of silver sequins. About her da,rk hair was a rope of diamonds, surmounted by a queenly white aigrette. True to the cause, she was in "red and white," while the jewelled orders which she wore are described as tho Iving George Coronation Medal, tho King Edward and Queen Alexandra Order of Art, Science, and Literature, and a similar insignia from the Kings of Norway and Sweden. During lior first number she canned in her hands an exquisite buneb of white flowers, lilies of the valley: but when she next appeared she held lovely red roses. Her superb voice and noble int-eroretations won constant recognition, awl.slie was repeatedly recalled, as, indeed, were all the soloists. In tho middle of the programme, returning to tho stage exit on the left, as usua.l, Mme. Melba was met bv Sir. K. .J.' Dunstnn, Dresident of I'he Toron-

to Branch of the Tied Cross Society, who addressed to her an appreciative and patriotic speech, and presented her. on behalf of his society, with a Red Cross pin of mines and diamonds, and a oM'tilieuto of life mcmlxM'ship. THien Mclba spoke. She is not just a wonderful singer and heroic woman, this prima donna who, witli Nordica and ono or two others, has held a queenly place in the world of sonp; for two decades ami more! "Eloquent" hardly'describes the glory and music of her uttered words. She stood theTe like a goddess, and every sound was hushed as, intent, thrilled, and spellbound, tho vast assembly listened!

Fastening tho pin 111 .her dross, a.bove hea - heart, she had accepted t'lie high tribute paid to her. Now, still slightly turning to her right, she addressed tho president of tho society, conveying her thanks. Anon, she advanced a. step, directly facing the audience. Her voice rose in a. lovely, vibrant, and glowing oresceudo, rcacliing a noble climax , as she spoke of "Greater Britain," and asked for thrjje cheers for Australia! Indeed, it seemed that as

they were given tlie vibrations must havo reached and resounded in her much loved native land! Meanwhile a wounded soldier advanced, touching all hearts as he appeared in uniform, and placed in her hand a floral tribute of roses making a rod cross. Would thai somo camera might have caught -the never-to-be-forgotten picture! Whore are our historic artists? Here, indeed, is a scene which well iniglit be graphically portrayed 'in oils on. canvas !

Twenty young ladies dressed in white trimmed with red circulated flags and programmes during the 'evening, and, advancing to the platform, scattered their rea .and white roses at the soprano's feet At the close of her last encore, Tosti's "Good-bye," the pipers played again, after which she returned, and, surrounded by them, concluded with "God Save the King," the audience joining her, and Dr. Albert Ham presiding effectively at the pipe organ. Tho sum raised would havo amounted to far more than 9000 dollars had the hall been large enough to hold all those who were impatient to gain an entrance. It is announced that concerts for the same object shortly will be given by Melba under viceregal patronage in Montreal and Ottawa.

The ladies.of Wadestown, with Mrs. Willis in charge, are having a stall for produce, cakes, scones, fruit, etc., ill front of Government Buildings, on Gallipoli Day (Saturday). Contributions will be gladly received by Mrs. Willis, and should be sent to her at Wadestown by Friday at tho latest, or else brought to the stall early oil Saturday morning.

Sister Laura Rood, of Greyniouth Hospital, a daughter of Mr. A. Rood, Haturaa, Hawke's Bay, has been 110I'/ied by tho Defence Department that her oiler of service at the front has been accepted. She expects to leave next month.