MISS WELLE ESQUILANT

Evening Star, Issue 18627, 7 May 1924, Page 5

MISS WELLE ESQUILANT

HER TRAVELS AND STUDY. All who are interested in music will bo pleased to hear about tho recent doings of Miss Mabelle Esquilant (Mrs Dallas). Before leaving New Zealand this fine contralto went as far towards perfecting her accomplishments as many singers who consider themselves “ finished ” but to get to that height was to Miss Esquilant merely an incentive to climb higher,_ and in a letter received by Mr T. Ritchie (of Begg and Co.) we got an idea of tho pains she is taking. The letter is dated November 1.

“ I have finally settled in Romo to study with Signor Martino. Signori Hasponi and Sarti, of the Sistino Choir, advised me to go to him. Ho is Rasponi's teacher, also the teacher of Margarita Sheridan, the Irish girl who has met with tremendous success at La Scala, and has recently been re-engaged for a further two years. Gutta Rufia, the famous baritone, is another pupil. Martino lias conducted operas in Italy, Caruso and Scotti appearing in parts. lie Is an intimate friend of Puccini and Mascagni, and possesses autograph photos of both thanking him for his assistance in the composing of some of their operas. He is apparently a very clever man, and I am hoping to derive great benefit from studying with him. While in Milan I had a few lessons with Maestro Picooli, another good teacher. Rasponi and Sarti leave shortly for a tour through India. Both are very profuse in their praise of New Zealand, and hope to return., I had a trip to Scotland in August. I like Scotland very much, particularly Edinburgh. What a beautiful city it'is! I spent seven most enjoyable weeks on the Continent shortly after arriving in England. Did not intend going further than Paris, but travelling_ is so inexpensive on the Continent, and it was such an opportunity, as the party were going, that I could not resist tho temptation. Heard several operas in Dresden—most wonderful performances, perfect in every detail. I will stay hero until my voice is in excellent form, and then go back to London and see what I can do. London is a fascinating place. I think I love it best of all tho places I have seen. I went to several promenade concerts at Qneen’s Hall, also heard Elena Gerhardt there—the German soprano. Joseph Hislop, London’s leading tenor, sa.ng with the orchestra one night, and another night York Bowen played. I also saw Pavlova at Covent Garden. Heard two operas ip Paris —‘ Manon ’ and ‘ Louise ’ —and have been to ‘ Rigoletto,’ ‘ The Damnation of Faust,’ ‘ The Barber of Seville,’ and ‘ La Forza del Destine ’ in Italy, La Scala opens on the 15th of this month, and I shall go there on the way back j but I doubt whether I shall see anything to surpass tho , German, operas. They were really wonderful performances.”