MADAME ALDA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 150, 15 September 1927, Page 17

MADAME ALDA

RECITALS IN AUCKLAND Madame Alda’s metropolitan debut was as Gilda in “Rigoletto,” creating a decided impression bj r her remarkable portrayal of the role, her splendid voice, and unusual beauty. Since then this gifted artist has more than maintained the high position she instantly won, for her art is incomparable, and each performance is a perfectly poljshed gem. Thirteen roles have been created by this indefatigable artist, and she has sung the leading roles in pver 40 operas in Europe, South America, and the United States. In addition, Madame Alda has an limited repertoire of classical and modern songs, and has distinguished herself as a soloist with symphony orchestra and large singing societies. Among the prima donnas of to-da3 r , none has attained greater popularity and success than Frances Alda, soprano of/ the Metropolitan Opera

Company, New York. Few, it must also be admitted, possess as complete a vocal, intellectual, and temperamental equipment as this charming artist. Madame Alda was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. When she was very she was sent to Paris for the purpose of acquiring a thorough education and musical training. A born linguist, she is facile in many languages. Her debut at the Opera Comique in Paris quickly established Madame Alda in the front ranks, and after several seasons of great operatic successes in Europe she was engaged for the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York. There is a glamour about this remarkable artist, a vital radiance, that compels admiration, and wins her audiences each time she sings. There are few, if any, more engaging personalities before the public to-day than Frances Alda, and each concert tour this artist makes is a veritable triumph. The famous soprano will be heard in two recitals in the Auckland Town Hall on Tuesday and Thursday, September 27 and 29, under the direction of Mr. D. D. O’Connor.