MISS BINA ADDY

Evening Star, Issue 22373, 24 June 1936, Page 15

MISS BINA ADDY

“ AT HOME " IH CONCERT CHAMBER A very delightful drawing room recital was given on Monday afternoon in the Concert Chamber, in aid of World Fellowship funds of the Y.W.C.A. The stage was charmingly decorated with massed palms and bowls of golden chrysanthemums and holly berries, while the hall was arranged as a lounge, the many small tables being arranged with coloured cloths and vases of dainty flowers. The principal performer for the afternoon was Miss Bina Acldy, the Indian singer, from Bengal, who has been delighting listeners over the air for the, past lour weeks in New Zealand. Miss Addy was ■introduced by Miss .I*. J- Ross (president of the association), and pre-sented-with a bouquet of golden chrysanthemums which toned in perfectly with her picturesque hand woven sari of deep blue silk, with a handsome embossed design in gold. In her remarks Aliss Ross mentioned that Aliss Addy was the iirst Indian woman to have taken up singing as a profession and to travel the world. Aliss Addy gave a very comprehensive programme of songs, including those of the Indian poet Tagore, which she prefaced in each case with a short explanation which greatly enhanced their enjoyment hv the audience, also English and Scottish ballads and negro spirituals. She is possessed of a charming voice of deep full tone, and has a very clear enunciation. Her accompaniments were shared by Miss Muriel Ironside (piano), Aliss Julia Holmes (violin), and Aliss D. Smaill (flute). The other artists assisting were Miss Alary Fraser (pianoforte solos) and Aliases Ironside and Holmes (duets for piano and violin). At the conclusion of the musical programme Aliss Addy spoke in a most interesting way of her ' native land, a land about which wc in New Zealand know so little; her slow, melodious speaking voice adding lustre to her charmingly-chosen words. She told of the formation and climate of India, of its population, religions, and peoples, and of the 200 languages and dialects the country boasted. Her description of the education in India —far behind other countries, comparatively speaking—was very interesting and gave an idea of the tremendous poverty in India which Gandhi was at present trying to overcome. An account of the life and work of Gandhi followed. She then spoke of the growth of music, singing, and dancing among the respectable classes of recent years and of the large part Rabindranath Tagore had played in its revival, and concluded with an account of her own musical experiences abroad and of the international friendships they had brought her, promising to advertise Now Zealand when she returned to India because she had been so happy hero. Mrs Sutherland Ross, wearing an ensemble of dove grey with white gloves and furs, thanked Aliss Addy very warmly for her delightful programme, which had included speech as well as song, and also expressed thanks to those who brought flowers, those who had provided the music, and Aliss Ross for her opening remarks. The meeting ended in a social manner, with the serving of tea. several people taking the opportunity of meeting Miss Addy and personally congratulating her. At the conclusion of her broadcasting engagement. Aliss Addy intends to give song recitals throughout New Zealand, commencing in Dunedin shortly.