OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 1279, 28 November 1903, Page 7

OPERA HOUSE.

Ada Cnoasley.

There is expected to be a scene.of great excitement at H. I. Jones and Son's this morning -when the box plan for the Ada C/rossley concert, to be given at the Opera House on Wednesday evening next, w:fll be opened at 9 o'clock. For the opening number at the concert in Wanganui on :. Thursday next. Miss Crossley Thas decided to- sing Giordani's "Caro mio Ben," which she sang at Buckingham Palace on July by special request of her Majesty the Queen. Miss Orossley also rendered ttus number at Balmoral Castle when she had the honour of receiving her first royal command to appear before the late Queen Victoria, and on that occasion the present Queen—then Princess of Walesr-^was among the audience, and was greatly impressed by the Australian contralto's rendering of this beauitful air. It is doubtful if in her whole extensive repertoire', which reaches nearly 500 items, there «> any one number that so effeotvely shows off the 'beauty of the favourite artist's voice and style as this Handeliari-like melody, which caught the fancy of two English queens. Thepopularity of Miss Crossley in Australia has

been growing by leaps, and "bounds, - although it is difficult to imag me any greater demonstration of popular enthusiasm than that accorded her at her first concert in Sydney. Hundreds have been turned away from each successive concert. The distinguished . songstress will evidently receive> hearty welcome from the Wanganui public on her arrival next Wednesday.1 At the railway station" she will be formally welcomed by the Mayor, together with a, large number of representative citizens. For her journey to New Plymouth1, as: in Australia, the Government have placed the State car at the disposal of the distinguished singer, who,;while in Sydney, also had the Government launch offered ior her use.

Extraordinary interest prevailed at the final concert given by Miss Crossley in the .Wellington Opera House last night. ■■-Every *e?it in the theatre was occupied, and a large number had to be accommodated on the stage. It was a night of triumph for the sweet singer.