RETHBERG and PINZA

Radio Record, 31 July 1936, Page 3

RETHBERG and PINZA

"A Two of the most important names in European and New York opera are now being starred in the programmes of the Australian ‘Broadcasting Commission, for Elizabeth Rethberg and Izio Pinza have arrived in the j 2ommonwealth for a broadcast sind concert tour. Elizabeth Rethberg, a German soprano, is considered by Sir Thomas Beecham as the greatest soprano in the world to-day, and Pinza is generally admitted to be one of the "three greatest bassos in the world. Both have just completed a season of international opera at Covent Garden, | where they met with sensational success. Both are well-known stars of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, where they played a brilliant season before their’ appearance in London. Rethberg made two appearances as Aida in the first week of the Covent Garden season, and has since sung the Sieglinde role in "The Valkyrie." She is freely hailed in London ag one of the foremost sopranos of the day, with voice and artistry of the highest level, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can present with pride to their public a singer who could scarcely be excelled as an exponent of distinguished and fastidious vocal musicianship. Every appearance she has made in Covent Garden, including that as the Marshallio in "Der Rosenkavalier," has been the occasion for a tremendous ovation. . Hzio. Pinza’s.tour with the soprano will assure listeners and public that they may’ hear and see the greatest to tour Australia in recent years. This Italian bass recently sang the high priest role in "Aida" and Sparrafucile in "Rigoletto" at Covent Garden with outstanding success. Apart from their broadcast performances, these two will make 20 concert appearanceg in Australia. Their first broadcast was scheduled for July 28 from 2FC and 38L0O.