MADAME GOWER-BURNS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1924, Page 1

MADAME GOWER-BURNS

CONCKRT ON TUESDAY Madame (lower-Burns. the

/j'siilaml Queen of Song v. ho is nppearing nt tho Westland Opera Ifonso on Tuesday evening, lias the unique distinction of being one ol ihe very low if not Llie only one in Xew Zealand, to receive a command to appear ie to re Royalty, and c:n the occasion :,f ilie late visit of 11.U.11. the L’rince of Wak s to Xew Zealand, she had the pleasure of performing at a function at 'which lie was present, and of being presented to him when tl.lt.fl. highly complimented her upon her singing. This has been no exception to the long I'st of compliments that has been paid to Madame Gower Burns. The great Dame Melba herself, proclaimed her the Melba of. Xew Zealand, and music lovers of Hokitika should not miss the opportunity of hearing her during her short visit here. Associated with her is Mr Arthur Gordon, a young man of exceptional ability as a violinist, who was trained under the teacher of world renown, Mr Thompson, of the Brussels Conservatorium, aftexwards becoming the sole violinist of that famous orchestra. During Mr Gordon’s Knglish and Continental tours, he was reported as a “great genius of the violin.” Mr Harold Prescott, the tenor of the party, has a very fine voice, his early training at the Manchester School of Mime having now a marked effect. Tt is a fact, that at the present time, there is no better tenor in New Zealand. Mr Bernard Bennell. the baritone of the party, was a rmpil tor a number of years under that great teacher and the acknowledged greatest exponent of singing in the Southern Hemisphere, Mr Roland Foster, of the Sydney Conservatorium. Mr Rennell has a robust pleasing style, and captivates his admirers directly lie appears upon the platform. Madame Russell, the solo pianist and accompanist, is favourably known throughout New Zealand, and cold words in print seem somewhat inadequate to describe her technique and artistry. It is quite correct to say that such a combination of artists has not visited Hokitika for many years.