MELBA

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1928, Page 3

MELBA

DISCOVERY OF FOOTSCRAY SINGER. SYDNEY, August 26. Dame Nellie Melba, still an idol of Australian crowds, has promised more “ farewell ” appearances, and the announcement has been hailed with delight. She said in Melbourne recently that she would shortly leave for Englnnd, nnd before slie did so it was her desire to sing again to her “ beloved people.” To this end she has arranged to gve a popular concert in Melbourne, and perhaps she will do the same in Sydney. She is assured* of a warm welcome in either city, for in spite of the invasion of some of the best Italian artists she has not been displaced in the eyes of the people. She is still Melba, the world’s greatest singer. There has been a desire to hear her in the excellent grand opera company now enjoying a record season in Sydney. In response to this Melba has agreed to sing in “ La Bolieme ” in Sydney, and when the company returns to Melbourne. This will indeed be a gala night. At Melbourne last week Mr Fritz Hart, director of tho Conservatorium. sprang a surprise on Melba when she visited tho institution to give some lessons to the girls who are receiving tuition. Mr Hart told her that there was a young man, Albert Cecil Whitehead. who would interest her, andi slio sat back concernedly as Mr Whitehead was asked to go on the platform. A quarter of an hour later the young man’s future was assured.

"Are you in a position to go abroad and study,” asked Melba after Mr Whitehead had sung, and on being told “Yes,” Melba said: “Well, I Want you to arrive in Paris in January. I will lie there then, and T will introduce you to Dinli Ciilly, who was John Brownlee’s teacher, and 1 will place you under his care. In the meantime you will receive tuition from Miss Amy Campbell at the Conservatoriuni.”

The diva made Mr Whitehead sing again, and described him as a bassoon ntnntn of splendid promise. Mr Whitehead lives in Footsorny, Melbourne, and is 22 years of age. Two years ago he came second in some competitions held in a Melbourne suburb, and Mr Fritz Hart, who adjudicated on that occasion, told hint not to bo disheartened and not to worry yet awhile about his voice. Since then lie has done very little singing, except at his home. He said that he was now ready to go right ahead, and would go in for both physical and vocal training. He lecogniscd that ho had been given a great chance, and that it had come as a great surprise to him. ‘‘l was just about to take a position when I was told to sing before Melba,” lie said.