ALTHOUSE AND MIDDLETON.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18507, 8 October 1925, Page 7

ALTHOUSE AND MIDDLETON.

BIG AUCKLAND SUCCESS. These two noted' singers, from the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, are to give a series of three distinctly different concerts in the Theatre Royal, Christchurch, the first on Saturday next, and the others on the following Monday and Wednesday, under the direction of J. and N. Tait. The following is a brief - excerpt from the report of the recent Auckland concert by the critic of the "New Zealand Herald-': "Two years have elapsed since the previous recitals caused little short of a sensation in Anckland. Now as then they have set new standards. As the programme ran its course many encores were demanded, and these brought to light a number of songs far removed from the hackneyed commonplaces usuallv heard at concerts. The Caruso-like quality of Mr Paul Althouse's tenor voice rang clear as a clarion in his operatic excerpts. Perfection in interpretation could scarcely- go further. 'O Paradiso,' from the fourth act of 'L'Africaine,' gave the tenor many chances of assuming the full plenitude of his vocal powers, every/ phrase being of compelling beauty. The stirring baritone, Mr Arthur Middleton, whose renderings might W£ll serve as a model for teachers sid pupils alike, fully roused the' big audience in his authoritative exposition's. Exceptional beauty of tone and skill in vocal declamation are fully recognised in this great artist, yet he stands pre-eminent in the field of interpretation, in Handel's recitative 'From the lligc of the and the ensuing aria 'Hear Me Ye Winds and Waves,' from 'Scipio,' was at all times the master singer." For the 'Althouse and Middloton concerts, generous concessions will be'allowed to bona fide musical students. i