New Zealand Prima Donna

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 156, 22 September 1927, Page 16

New Zealand Prima Donna

Frances Alda Returns TUESDAY OPENING NIGHT “Emotional power and rich vocal quality were splendidly combined in a brilliant rendering of “One Fine Day,” from Puccini’s “Madam Butterfly.” Here was a strikingly vivid picture of Butterfly’s yearning, anxiety and hope, from the high floating phrase of the opening to the beautiful soft tones of

pathos and full-throated climax.” That reference to Madame Frances Alda, the New Zealand-born soprano, followed her opening recital in Australia. Possessing a voice of commanding power, Madame Alda also has the confidence and assurance of purpose that comes only to the experienced singer. Following the great successes the Christchurch girl has achieved abroad, the New Zealand tour can indeed be regarded as a triumphant return. At the Metropolitan Opera House Madame Alda has sung 43 different roles. She will return there in November to begin her 18tli successive season.

In New York an Alda-Caruso night was always a big event. Until the time of his death, Madame Alda sang with the famous tenor, also appearing with Journet, Scotti, Ruffo, and Chaliapin, to mention only a tew of the great artists with whom she has shared honours.

Madame Alda will give her first New Zealand recital in Auckland at the Town Hall on Tuesday next, a second concert being given on the following Thursday.

The box plan opens at Messrs. Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., to-morrow.

Joseph Hislop, the famous tenor, Whom we hope to see in New Zealand before long, will open his Melbourne season on September 24 under the J. and N. Tait management. Mr. Hislop has had a. wonderfully successful career both in concert work and on the grand opera stage, and, if arrangements for his world tour will permit him, he will appear in grand opera in Australia and New Zealand. Negotiations are being carried on by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., with this object in view. At the present time it is doubtful whether Mr. Hislop can decide definitely in this matter. Mr. Hislop, though born in Edinburgh, was trained in Sweden and is married to a Swedish lady. The Scandinavian people claim him as their own and when he sang at Copenhagen on his last tour the King of Denmark attended every performance, conferring on him at his final appearance the Knighthood of Dannebrog. In Stockholm the King of Sweden expressed a desire to create him a Knight of Vasa, his acceptance of which is being considered officially in England.