ALDA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 160, 27 September 1927, Page 15

ALDA

CONCERT TO-NIGHT The noted prima donna, Madame Frances Alda, will give the first of her two concerts in the Town Hall this evening, when she will be making her first public appearance in the land of her birth. After leaving Christchurch, her birthplace,, at an early age, Madame Alda commenced her musical career in light opera under the aegis of the late J. C. Williamson in Australia, but soon went to the studio of the famous Marchesi in Paris, in which city she made her debut in Grand Opera. She afterwards sang at La Scala in Milan, and at most of the leading European Opera Houses. Her greatest successes, however, have been associated with the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, of which eminent institution she has been a shining light

for 18 seasons. In addition to her operatic work Madame Alda has won an international reputation as a concert singer. The programme set down for to-night's concert gives an indication of the soprano's remarkable versatility. The first group contains three songs of the 17 th century in Italian, French and English. The second group comprises four songs representative of the best modern English, Russian, French and Spanish schools; there is one operatic aria and a concluding group of popular British and American compositions. Mr. Max Rabinowitsh will act in the dual capacity of solo pianist and accompanist. The second concert will be given on Thursday evening, when an “all operatic” programme will be presented. Box plans are at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., and day sale tickets may be obtained at H.M. Theatre confectionery.