A GIFTED SOPRANO

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 11, 7 October 1927, Page 3

A GIFTED SOPRANO

FRANCES ALDA’S FINAL CONCERT The famous soproua. Madame Frances Alda, of New York, scored a distinct triumph at tho Town Hall last night, when the third and final concert of the Wellington season was given to an audience which was worked up to a high pitch of enthusiasm by the artistry oi the gifted prima donna. It was quite evident that opera, is Madame Aldas true forte, as she was in her clement in the compositions ot Gordiano, 1 uccini. and Gounod. A. foretaste of the rich vocal treat to come was afforded bv the open number, the ana, bempere Cosi.” from Giordano's opera. ‘ La Cena Della Beffe.” which aroused the house to rare enthusiasm. this was followed by the aria. “Mi Cniamano Alim', from Puccini’s “La Boheme. 'yhich served to show the diva, in an entirely different style of composition. Another number bv (ho same composer. L audio did Mimi,” was delightfully treated. It was, however, in the “Jewel Song from “Faust” that Frances Alda revealed her undoubted powers as a soprano. Seldom, indeed, has so finished a. presentation of the taxing number l>een heard here. Tho tribute to an outstanding triumph was spontaneous and sustained. The concluding number was tho aria, “Una Bel Di.” from ‘‘Madam Butterfly." which was sung with fine expression. So enthusiastic was the. ajidience that encores were in frequent demand, .and to these Madame Alda responded liberally. AU present had a sense of satisfaction that a Now Zealander could rise to such vocal heights, and hopes were freely expresed that further opportunities would be afforded of hearing her voice. Mr. Cvril JL’owsey assisted ably at. the piano, both as soloist and accompanist.