NEW ZEALAND SINGER'S

Evening Star, Issue 15554, 25 July 1914, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND SINGER'S

SUCCESS IN COVENT GARDEN. Writing from London to a friend in Wellington, under date June 12, Miss Rosina Buckmann, the talented singer, now at Covent Garden, says:— At last I have an hour to spare to tell you all about the good things I have been hearing and associating with recently. I have had much work to do, but have been very happy with it all. I have done wonderfully well, and I often think of that conversation you had with me just before I left, when I was so afraid, and you assured me that 1 should be all right. Well—l have faced it all, and have come out quite well. At first I was a little worried, but fortunately I have been very lucky iu meeting some very dear people, who havo encouraged and helped me. Madame Melba has been an angel to me. She introduced me to the management at Covent Garden, and said all sorts of nice things about me. Then I sang to them, and had tho good fortune to bo engaged both for the past German season (when ' Parsifal' was produced for tho first time in England) and for the present season. The production of 'Parsifal' was a very fine one, and I heard some great German artists. I also had the honor of singing under the baton of the great Mikisch, a charming man, possessing a beautiful, calm, and gentle personality, and wonderful magnetism. I san'g Helmwige, one of the Valkyrie maidens, and one of the flower maidens in ' Parsifal.' I have worked very hard at languages, for I have had to sing in three—German, French, and Italian. So you see I have not wasted my time. I have simply loved this present season, which opened with ' La Boheme' on April 20. I sang the part of Musetta that night, to Madame Melba's Mimi. I was so nervous, just shook from head to foot, and could not really do my best from sheer fright. However, everyone said that I did well; Madame was quite pleased. The King, who was present, told her that I was the best Musetta he had seen, and he was proud to know that I was a British subject. Ono or two of the papers were not altogether kind to me m their criticism. I hear that very often they are not kind to newcomers, especially British ones, but I don't mind; I hope to win them ere long. In fact, they have, most of them, criticised me favorably since. Melba was delighted with me, the King liked my performance, and tho management has been pleased, so L am happy. —Before Five Queens and Two Kings.—

Last Saturday was a wonderful night. The Opera House was packed; it was Melba's farewell before leaving for Australia. Again the opera was ' Boheine.' In tho audience we had five Queens, two Kings, and many distinguished personages. The artists included Caruso, Scotti, and Mclba— I should Bay about the greatest in tho world. I shall never forget that night ; it was a revelation to me. Mclba was glorious, and Caruso—well, words fail me. When one hears Caruso, one recognises how very far above any other tenor singer lie is—lie is a giant among artists. His great, glorious voice, his wonderful singing, and his acting, are nil something to be remembered. I am, oh, so proud to be able to say I have sung and played in an opera with Caruso. Then Scotti is a great artist, too, and it was a delight to sing with him. Madame Mclba is loved over here—l shall miss her. The season finishes on July 27, and I shall bo playing several more parts. —Nearly!— I nearly played Mimi once. Wouldn't it have been jolly if I had? The prima donna, Madame Bellonsioni had a cold, and I was called upon to do it, and worked all day at the part, and was ready to go on at 8 o'clock, but, alas! the lady found she had voice enough at the last moment, and played the part, so I lost my chance. Madame Emmy Destiniis one of my favorite sopranos; she is wonderful in 'Madame Butterfly.' I am hoping that I shall some time get an opportunity to play Sazuki to her Butterfly. "No Place Jjike Home."— I wonder when I shall come to New Zealand again. It is quite probable I shall go to America to sing in opera, but nothing is settled yet. If I do I shall certainly go to New Zealand for a little whilo. lam longing to seo all my friends, and my people. I have a very warm spot in my heart for Wellington: you were all'so very good to inc. Please give my very kindest remembrances to all inquiring friends. 1 have booked quite a lot of concerts for tho coming season, and am singing at the Sheffield Festival. Herr Galling, who is known in Nelson, New Zealand, is the conductor. I have seen quite a lot of Herr Lemmer, of Nelson; he is enjoying hearing all the operas ever so much. I see quite a number of New Zealanders. To talk to them makes mo feel nearer home. I saw A. Van Staveren on several occasions, but unfortunately did not hear her 6ing,