STELLA MURRAY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18548, 25 November 1925, Page 6

STELLA MURRAY.

FAREWELL RECITAL. Stella Murray, tho New Zealand contralto, is to give a farewell concert in this City to-morow night* at the Theatre Royal, prior to her departure for London, where she is to continue hor concert career. Stella Murray recently undertook a tour of the principal towns of the Dominion, and everywhere hor concerts were highly successful. Her fine voice, rich in quality and perfectly true in tone, was tho subject of universal admiration, There is no doubt that she is an extremely accomplished and versatile artist. . Writing of Stella Murray's Wellington recital last Thursday night, the Wellington "Post" says:—New Zealand has up to now produced only one Stella Murray, and it is New Zealand's loss. The now famous young singer, protege of Melba, appeared in Wellington again last evening after an absence of over seven years, and she made a profound impression. If it was not a conquest, it was probably because she was often something above her. audience both in her songs and her singing of them. That was her audience's loss. But the wealth of floral tributes and the large house left no doubts as .'to Miss Murray's personal popularity, a popularity due to charm and intellect. Miss Murray's voice is a pure contralto, and she does not abuse it. Heard at its best in a pure cantabile, a song where the straight line of phrasing is unbroken, it is of great mellowness and sweetness. Evenly developed, it is admirably schooled, and always, tho singer gives the imprussion of holding something in reserve. Miss Murray has the physiqne and equipment of a powerful contralto. But she sets tone before power, and hor touch in many of her songs is almost caressing. Phrasing and enunciation are both excellent, and occasionally in a folk song, such as "The; Terrible Robber Men," or "The Bold Unbiddable Child," she will sacrifice tone to them in her desire to obtain an effect., ..'„,.. Harold Whittle is the accompanist. The box plan is now open at The Bristol, where big booking is proceeding.