MR. JOHN McCORMACK

New Zealand Tablet, 11 January 1912, Page 32

MR. JOHN McCORMACK

- ♦—: — :: • ■ .„.""■' :%?;- The great singer was born in Athlone less than twenty-eigth years ago. He received his primary education at the Christian Brothers' School, and in 1895 he went to the College of the Immaculate Conception in Sligo, where he remained till 1901. As a student he distinguished himself, and obtained a first-class exhibition in each grade, which is considered a very great distinction, and rarely obtained. In Dublin each year there are competitions embracing all the arts, and someone suggested to Mr. McCormack that he should enter and test his ability as a vocalist. He, was successful in winning the much-coveted gold medal given to the best vocalist in Ireland. From that time he was determined to make a name for himself, and after two years' study in Milan he returned to London, got an engagement at the Royal Albert Hall, and since then he has never looked back. To-day managers vie with each other to enter into contracts with him, and whether it be at Covent Garden Opera House (London), or the Manhattan Opera House (New York) an enthusiastic reception awaits him. When Madame Melba was selecting the artists for her grand opera season, which has just been brought to a close in Australia, Mr. McCormack was one of the first to be engaged, and the enormous success he has been was a tribute to Melba's judgment in securing his services. Prior to his returning Home, Mr. McCormack was induced to give a few concerts in Australia and two in New Zealand, and the public of Wellington and Auckland will have an opportunity of hearing the great tenor on January 12 and 18 respectively. In addition to Mr. McCormack, the concert company will include • Miss Rosina Buckman (lyric soprano of the Melba Grand Opera Company), Mr. Alfred Kaufmann (principal basso of the same company), and Mr. Spencer Clay (solo pianist). The box r plan for reserved seats for the Auckland concert on Thursday, January 18, opens at Wildman and Arey's on Monday, January 15. ■■'"-.■ -x r- . ':. '