Brilliant Career Is Expected For Owen James, Young New Zealand Tenor

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 35, 10 February 1939, Page 3

Brilliant Career Is Expected For Owen James, Young New Zealand Tenor

FOR Lawrence Tibbett to impress is one story, but for the great Tibbett to be impressed is something decidedly different. Such, however, was the good fortune of tenor Charles Owen James, who is visiting New Zealand after an absence of five years in Australia. When Lawrence Tibbett was in Sydney he heard Owen James singing, and was so impressed that he offered to sponsor.this former New Zealander in the United States.

QWEN JAMES has achieved for himself considerable success in musical and radio weircles in Australia. Apart from returning with an attrac-

tive Australian wife, he has unquestionably brought back "a voice," aS was proved by his recitals from 1YA on December 30 and from the Auckland Town Hall on January 14. ,_Bive years of sedulous study ufder the leading singing teachers ima the Commonwealth, including Adolf Spivakoski, considered one

of the best in the world, has given this young tenor a sound musical foundation. He comes from a well-known Waikato family, and spent his boyhood days in Pukekohe. As a boy soprano he distinguished himself in competition singing and platform work in Auckland, and will also be remembered by radio audiences for his singing of Irish ballads over the YA stations. it was during the visit to New Zealand in 1934 of the late Miss Mary Campbell, then singing principal of the Albert Street Conservatorium of Music, Melbourne, that James "got his break." The "local boy" so impressed that "Miss Campbell offered him free tuition in the development of his voice if he cared to go to" Australia. He went. On the death of Miss Campbell, Adolf Spivakoski arrived in Melbourne and James furthered his studies under this master. He was also fortunate in receiving encouragement from famed Italian tenor Tito Schipa, who visited Australia in 1937. Raymond Beatty, Australia’s leading baritone, at present on tour in New Zealand under contract to the NBS, is another prominent artist with whom James has been associated. At 27 years of age this young New Zealander has every prospect of going on to bigger and better things. Apart from his voice. he has also developed a pleasing stage personality. Of medium height, he is dark and rather rotund (he tips the scale at 12zst.) Since his return to New Zealand James has fulfilied various professional engagements, as well as assisting generously at functions at his home town, Pukekohe. He will be returning to Australia next month for further study, and hopes to proceed to the U.S. later in the year.