GREAT IRISH TENOR.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 129, 2 June 1928, Page 7

GREAT IRISH TENOR.

Like John M'Cormaclt, the famous Australian tenor Alfred O'Shea, was trained in Italy, and made his debut there in Italian opera. This Is no mean feat for a Briton, as tho Kalian audiences are said to be tho most critical in the world. Even Caruso was afraid of them, and Galli-Curci has yet to conquer there. Only the best aro wanted in the land where glorious voices are to bo mefr at every turn, and the fact that Alfred O'Slica is to appear in Italy again after operatic and concert engagements in America stamps him as one of tho world's greatest tenors. Mr. O'Shea always includes in his programmes a number of operatic arias, and his magnificent voice, and training have made him famous on the operatic stage, but ho does not neglect the songs that arc dear to tho--hearts of all. A recent recital in Sydney was reported thus: "Coates's 'Fairy Talcs of Ireland' brought out a beautiful quality of pathos and richness of tone that proclaimed tho artist to. bo in tho front rank of the world's singers to-day. '1 Hear a Thrush at Eve" (Cadman) was a number eminently suited to the tenor, who, in the softer passages was just as excellent as when singing fortissimo. Several other items were beautifully rendered by tho artist. Among these were 'The Low Mocked Car,' 'A Dream/ ■Believe Me if all Those Endearing Young Charms,' 'Macushla' (in which Mr. O'Shea s wonderful mezzo vtlco tones were shown In tliclr most beautiful quality), and 'Ben Bolt,' the sweet, sad, old English song that almost everyone knows." Three concerts are to be given in the Wellington Town Hall; tho first on Saturday,- 10th June, and tho others ) on the following Tuesday and Thursday, under the direction of Henry Hayward.