FAMOUS SINGERS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1925, Page 4

FAMOUS SINGERS

MR JOHN lb T A It’S MISSION

AUCKLAND, December 7

After an absence of eight months Mr John If. Tait, managing director of ,T. ('. Williamson, Ltd., and J. and X. Tait, arrived by the Aorangi from A ancottver last evening. Air Tail’s visit abroad was in search of attractions for Australia and New Zealand, and ho stated that he had been most successful. Ifis engagements included two new English comedy companies, the “ Earmcr’s Wife ” Company and Renee Kellv Company, two new musical comedy companies Katja, the Dancer Company, and a new Gilbert and Sullivan Company, Anna Pavlova, Russian dancer, and her Russian ballet, a dramatic company to play “ "White Cargo,” and a special company to play a repertoire of Sir James Barrie's plays. Concert engagements included ( haliapinc, the Russian baritone, Toti del Monte, the Italian opera, singer and Percy Grainger, the pianist. He also engaged several vaudeville artists for the Tivoli circuit.

" I heard Chaliapina in Paris and I think he is deserving of the fame lie has achieved,” Mr Tait said. “In Xew York. John M.’Cortnack is singing as well as ever, and, if anything, becomes more popular every year. While in Xew York I heard Madame Alda, the Metropolitan Opera star, as Alinti in 1 T.a Boheme.’ She may come to Australia in two years’ time. Madame Alda is a native of Christchurch. Tito Schipa. the Italian concert singer. i> a wonderful artist. 1 heard him in the Carnegie Hall. New York, and I do not think I have ever witnessed such enthusiasm as I did on that, occasion. With the exception of the solo pianist, Schipa sang for early three hours. Me are arranging for him to visit Australia in two \ ears' time.

“ While I was in Italy, some preliminary arrangements were made in anticipation of another grand opera season in about two years," continued Mr Tait. “This time we intend to arrange ouv contracts so that Xew Zealand will he included. Last year wo could not send a. company here from Australia, as several of the important artists could not spare the time.” In regard to the Barrie plays, Afr Tait said that Dion Bouoienult would return to Australia next month to play them with the company. Anna Pavlova would com?' out to Australia and New Zealand towards the end of Afay.