MELBA'S DISCOVERY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 502, 8 May 1909, Page 11

MELBA'S DISCOVERY.

. HOW IT WAS MADE. In a really delightful interview accorded to our representative a few days ago Madame Melba told how she; had discovered a beautiful contralto voico in that of Miss Thomson,, of Stewart Island; The Queensland lady, who was responsible for introducing Melba and her protegee. to each other and arranging the singing interview, has been telling tho "Otago Witness" how it was done. She describes the'interview in the following terms: — "Onr appointment had been made for 10 o'clock, Madame Melba's train leaving at 11.15. We were ushered into' her sitting'room, and found her standing dressed for her journey and waiting for us. After a few words of kindly greeting and tho reassuring remark, I'Don t be nervous; there's nothing to be nervous about. Come and sing to me,' Madame seated herself at the piano' and struck the opening chords of 'Abido with Me.' It was a moment of tension—what if Miss Thompson's voice failed her? But there was no need for anxiety, the rioh, beautiful notes swelled forth, and one felt that all was well. At 'Hold Thou Thy Cross' Madame murmured 'Very piano here,' and then I know how well-it all was. was no mistaking that tone. The delicate instrument responded to the master hand, and vory piano it was, and much more than-, that. "When the song was ended, Madame sat perfectly silent for a' few moments, and then said, 'It is a beautiful voice, a pure contralto. She must go to Europe at onco, and have it trained.' Next Madame applied testa of all sorta, and amazed Miss Thomson herself a.t the range of hor own voico. Then, pausing, she said, 'It is absolutely the most wonderful voioe I have heard, and 1 have hoard a good many.' "Madamo sent to summon Mr. lemmone, who was vory busy, and pleaded so. 'Never mind that,' said Madamo, 'oome 'hers for a Jew. miftutca. I waatjtou..l».lii)ae-A Jfaie&i

After this encouragement Miss Thomson sang superbly. Mr. Lemmono was' delighted. He suggested various teste, all of which Madame Melba had already applied to her satisfaction, but she applied them again. When Madame again addressed me in enthusiastic praise of Ihis beautiful Voice, Mr. Lemmone, to 'whom I was unknown; assured me that anything that Madame, Melba Baid was fully meant. As it happened, the assurance was quite unnecessary to mo. We then discussed practical matters; and Madame Melba exclaimed, 'Whom. are we to send her to? , There is no one in Europe now to train her. I must do it myself,' and southings stand. "Madame Melba asked mo to make what ' arrangements I could, as she was positively obliged to go. An utter stranger in Dunedin, I thought the best plan would be to approach the musicians of tho city. I went to the Dresden, and was asking for information when by good fortune in camo Mr. Paget Gale. When he heard my story ho rang up Mr. Maitland Gard'ner, Miss Thomson's former teacher, and they at onco arranged for an interview. The upshot of it all is that these gentlemen have undertaken to get up a.benefit concert for Miss Thom- | son. I hear rumours that the New Zealandare are already beginning to feel proud of compatriot. As an Australian, I don't quite see what they will have to do proud about unless they con say 'Wo helped/ "