An Auckland Prima Donna

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 138, 1 September 1927, Page 16

An Auckland Prima Donna

MADAME IRENE AINSLEY “I am proud of you, bless you.” The above message telegraphed by Dame Nellie Melba, then Madame Melba, is one of the treasured momentoes of Madame Irene Ainsley, a protege and pupil of the famous soprano. So impressed was the famous diva with the voice of the Auckland contralto that she personally supervised her training. A visit to London followed, where Madame Ainsley was

nlaced under the care of Madame Fisher, the finishing touches being applied by that great voice specialist, Madame Marchesi. Madame Ainsley’s debut at the Beckstein I-lall was made under the most auspicious circumstances. The Prince of Wales (now King George) and the Princess of Wales attended; Madame Marchesi, who was then about 80 years of age, came from Paris to be present, and Madame Melba herself played the accompaniments in conjunction with Mr. Landon Ronald, now Sir Landon Ronald, and one of the accepted leaders in the British musical world. Following the London concert, Madame Ainsley also appeared at the Queen’s Hall, at Dublin, Belfast and most of the principal provincial theatres. With Sir Landon Ronald,

Madame Melba, Mischa Elman and Monsieur Gilbert, Madame Ainsley also sang at a party given by the Prince of Wales at Marlborough House. Commenting upon her London debut the “Morning Post” said that she “was the happy possessor of a full rich contralto voice of a velvety quality, and very even in tone. Miss Ainsley created a decidedly favourable impression, and may be congratulated upon having commenced her career in so auspicious a manner.” “In Handel’s beautiful air, ‘Ombra mai fu,’ she was altogether charming,” commented the “Pall Mall Gazette.” “She sang with what one might almost call a noble sense of tragedy. In fact, in Madame Ainsley it is clear that we possess a singer of importance, one who is artistic to the finger tips, and who knows how to manage her voice both powerfully and yet with reasonable restraint.”

At the conclusion of the concert the young New Zealander was congratulated by the Prince, the Princess later presenting her with a beautiful brboch of diamonds and pearls.

Madame Ainsley has been living quietly in Auckland for the past three or four years, but it is her intention shortly to again visit England, where she hopes to introduce to the musical world two or three young Auckland singers.