FOURTH CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 124, 22 November 1923, Page 9

FOURTH CONCERT

LIPKOVSKA AT THE TOWN HALL. Madame Lydia Lipkovska^fourth appearance m Wellington was marked by Hair T Sreat 3.enthusiasm at Town Hall. The audience, large-in numbers, • was particularly demonstrative, a fact that must have been extremely gratifying to the noted Kussian prima donna' She graciously complied with the de'J mands- of her hewers, and augmented >.» already comprehensive programme by angmg some charming encorl numbers ...Delightful voice though she has, Lipkovska s artistry does not stop there: her renderings are enlianced by an encaewg personality and exquisite costuminf. Her choice of numbers last night was very happy. In the "Cato Nome" so lo, from Biggoletto" (Verdi), Lipkovska ach l eyed a notable success, which was repeated later in the first part of the programme in Controne's "Laissez-moi itire. In this number the vocalist gave an excellent rendering of a difficult role that of a broken-hearted girl who is endeavouring to hide her sorrow under a cloak of make-believe merriment. It was the work of a finished artist. Lip- ' kovska made her appearance in the second part of the programme in Russian costume, and sang "Hymn to the Sun " Sing Me a Song" (Dloussky), "Old Song (Varlamoff), and "The Toast" (Glazounoff). It was in the famous Pompadour costume that Lipkovska received the greatest ovation, and it was some minutes before she could commence her songs. The costume was certainly a revelation. Her numbers were four sprightly French compositions, in striking contrast to the more sombre selections from the Russian. Other numbers during the evening were "When'er a Snowflake" (Liza Lehman), "At Sunset" (Eric Coates), "Lullaby," "When ! I was .Seventeen," "The Nightingale," and "La Soeur de Tossignole." Lipkovska had the support of M. Alexander Sverjensk.-n, a pianist of rare' ability. His ] solo numbers last night were Liszt's "Grandes Variations Sur un theme de Bach," and three delightful selections from the work of Sciabine. To-night Madame Lipkovska will make her final appearance in Wellington. Another excellent programme has been arranged, and all lovers of good music should take advantage of hearing the noted artist. Her items will include the "Jewel Song" (from "Faust"), Schubert's "Barcarolle," and other wellknown members. She will be seen in the shepherdess costume and in an early Victorian costume: M. Sverjensky will also contribute a number of pianoforte soli. Mme. Lipkovska will give concerts in Napier on Monday and Wednesday next week, and Hastings on Thursday, and the following week will commence her Christehurch season.