TALENTED MUSICIAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 237, 7 October 1930, Page 8

TALENTED MUSICIAN.

DEATH OF MRS. R. A. SINGER. CONDUCTOR AND ORCHESTRAL LEADER. VERSATILE PERFORMER. The death occurred at an early hour this morning of Mrs. Singer, wife of Mr. R. A. Singer, solicitor, of Auckland. Mrs. Singer for many years has taken a very prominent part in musical activities in Auckland.. She was held in high esteem by a wide circle of musical friends, to whom the announcement of her death Will come as a great shock. Her career as a musician began when she was a girl. In her early '"teens" she was recognised in theatrical circles as an orchestral leader of exceptional powers; and during her tours of Australia, as chorus mistress for J. C. Williamson and Co., she became a familiar figure with audiences under her maiden name of Dorothy Hose Nichol. When she returned to New Zealand she officiated as musical directress at the Lyric Theatre. Subsequently, she became deputy leader, of the Bohemian Orchestra, and, during the absence in Euglanl of Miss Edith Whitelaw, she occupied the leader's chair with distinction. Mrs. Singer's exceptional versatility was demonstrated during this present season, when, in addition to leading the Bohemian Orchestra, she also gave performances as a solo pianist, with orchestral accompaniment, of the Second Rhapsody of Lizst. Her interpretation will long be remembered. She took a

leading part in the orchestra at the performances of '•Tutankhamen" until Saturday night, which was the final appearance. As an accompanist she had few equals. She was also an accomplished player of the viola at Chamber Music concerts. It was remarkable that the talented musician reached such a high standard of efficiency on three instruments —the piano, the 'violin and the viola. As a conductor 'she brought theatre orchestra playing to the highest level reached in Auckland, and years ago she was looked upon as the leading musical directress ill New Zealand. Beside her other accomplishments she had a delightful platform manner. Benno Moiaewitscli,' the famous pianist who toured the Dominion in 1923, formed a high opinion of # Mrs. Sinner's talents. He said that ill all his travels he had never met so versatile an artist. If she had pursued her studies on the Continent, in the older seats of learning, he considered slie would have been a world-famed player of either the piano or the violin. Mrs. Singer was always willing to -ivc her services in support ot any charitable cause, and Auckland will feel her loss keenly as an organiser ot benefit concerts and entertainments. Mrs Sillgef was born in Auckland 37 ycarsVgo There art two children, a girl of 11 and a boy of 9. ° At midday to-day the coroner, Mr. F. K Hunt, S.M., held an inquest into thedeath of Mrs. Singer. ■ Evidence showed that deceased had mistaken poison, which was contained in a brandy bottle, for brandy A verdict of accidental death was returned.