A GREAT IMPRESARIO

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 290, 7 September 1928, Page 7

A GREAT IMPRESARIO

DEATH OF MR. DANIEL MAYER

News has been received of the death in America of Mr. Daniel Mayer, who was considered one of the greatest concert artist impresarios of Ins day. and oue who, through his personality, charm of manner, long experience, and sense of honour, achieved a world-wide reputation for capable management. Mr Mayer spoke live languages fluently, and knew the fads and foibles of the most “temperamental profession on earth.” but with his breadth of view bis vast stock of patience, and tolerance. he was able to overcome what many another impressario not so Imp ily endowed would have found hope less. Mr Mayer was in Wellington in September. 1921, as impresario for Miseha Levitski, the pianist, who has just made a notable success on his first appearance in Paris. When here Mr. Mayer made the most of his time, and visited the thermal regions of Rotorua and Wairakei in company with the pianist. Before the war Mr. Mayer was the Mayor of Bexhill-on-Sea. but on changing his headquarters from London to New York, as he did before the war (realising that America bad touring advantages over Great Britain) he gave up bis'municipal work, and left the control of his affairs in London to his son Rudolf. Mr. Mayer had under his control at different times such wprld-renowned artists as Melba. Paderewski, Miseha Elman, Sclnnnann-Heink. Levitski. Matzenauer, and countless others. It was he that introduced Elman to London as the wonder Russian boy of the violin. and succeeded in securing a fee for him of £l2O. which, for a then unknown boy. was an unprecedented achieve-

ment, as London as a rule does not pay high for new and practically unknown performers. All that was known of Elman was that lie had made a success in Berlin: but his playing in London soon established him as a genuine prodigy in the opinion of the artistic set in London, and started the Russian lad on his triumphant tour of the world. At the. latest Mr. Mayer was the controlling Dusolina Giannini, the new lyric soprano, who has made a sensational success both in concert and grand opera in London and New York. When in New York this year, Mr. E. J. Gravestock approached Daniel Mayer in the matter of a tour of Australia and New Zealand for this artist, and an arrange-

ment satisfactory to both parties was arrived at. Only a few days ago Mr. Gravestock (who was in Wellington on Wednesday) received a cable message from Mr. Mayer confirming the arrangement, and stating that Giannini had created such a sensation at Covent Garden this year that she had been engaged for next season, but would be sailing from London for Sydney, arriving there on July 25 of next year.