MADAME MELBA.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 205, 23 May 1908, Page 10

MADAME MELBA.

TRIP TO HER NATIVE'LAND. ' ' In an interview with a "Daily Chronicle" representative on her roturn to London, Madame Melba said:— "Tho greatest event in my life 1 was when I was serenaded in Melbourne by a choir of 1500 women.. This was' something:, to remember,'and an' honour the spontaneity of which I fully appreciate, and can-never-for-get. Just imagine 1500 women singing togotbbr, and producing a vocal effect- so charming, so harmonious, so impossible to describe. It touched my heartstrings, and right proud was I. at that moment to bo an Australian woman. " I aroused some consternation by. suggesting Sunday concorts. I contend that tho working classes, the genuine, honest toilers' who are labouring throughout tho week, should have an opportunity of listening, to really good music 011 their day of rest. What could bo more elevating., more refining? The suggestion created discussion, and, "though tho matter wa3 not sottled when I left, I have hopes that when I return to Australia, I shall find high-class concerts provided in all tho principal towns and cities on Sundays. '." During my stay I was greatly surprised at the amazing progress made in .Australia in tho art of music. And I-heard really fine Australian: singers, many of whom are destined to become famous. A few of them I intend to help so far as I am able. Two are .already' in Paris- studying under the' venerable Marohesi."