AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 329, 22 January 1909, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

ADA CKOSKLEViS CONCERT. Tuesday night next will probably prove an historic one in the musiciil history of Xew Plymouth, as it will be the lirst a nd only 'visit, during her present tour, of the world's famous Australian contralto, Madame Ada Crossley, and, judging by the splendid booking and the very large sale of day tickoM, it is evident that the Theatre Royal will on Tuesday night be taxed to iu'utinost capacity. And so it should be, for never has there been a more, popular singer in Australia than the gifted contralto; and in presenting us with the privilege of hearing her anil her brilliant company. Mr. .1. (.'. Williamson deserves the thanks of every music-lover in the town Sydney and Melbourne critics were unanimous in declaring Madame Crossley to be in greater voice than ever, so we are fortunate in getting an opportunity of heal-ing our popular singer at her' very best. .Madame Crossley had made a. big reputation in her own country before going abroad to capture the hearts of music-lovers in the great citie- of the old world. For many years now she has been the favorite operatic artist of the British public, and she is again to have the place of honor at the Handel-Mendels-sohn festival in London, next year. The company, whose, appearances in Sydney and Melbourne were marked by the greatest enthusiasm, quite recently toured the I'nited Kingdom, giving ll'.l concerts and thus establishing a record, fircal interest attaches to the return of the brilliant young Australian pianist. Mr. Percy Grainger, who since his last. home visit has taken an established .place among the greatest Mritish instrumentalists. In Mr. .lolin Harrison we will have the pleasure of hearing one of the greatest concert-hall artists of the day. Not so many years ago this distinguished artist was a warpBetter in a Lancashire cotton-factory. He. was taken up by musical enthusiasts, anil gave serious attention to study, and after his lirst appearance in •London he was acclaimed as "a genuine" tenor with a, brilliant style of singing. Mr. Jay Ryan, the baritone, was tendered a. big ''seiid-oll'" by Kilkonnv jnusie-lovcrs, the lowest price paid for admission on the occasion being 10s (Id. M'. Leon Sainetini. the clever violinist ■of the party, is a pupil of the great 'Seveik. In his work he was greatly encouraged by Dovrak, the Bohemian composer, whose concerto he played when he won. at the aire of fifteen, the diploma of the Prague Conservatoire f'with distinction." He. attained this musical prize at the earliest age it was ever awarded anyone. The accompanist of the party is Mi. Harold Whittle, who is a "discovery" of Melba's. lie acted in the same capacity for the diva when she last sang in Australia, and is engaged for her forthcoming tour. Those wQio have not already reserved their seats should do so, as the places are rapidly filling. Five-shilling and haifcrown tickets can also be purchased at Avery's.