TALENTED BENGALESE VOCALIST

Evening Star, Issue 22388, 11 July 1936, Page 19

TALENTED BENGALESE VOCALIST

MISS BIHA ADDY AT SAVOY As the first Indian woman to take up European singing professionally, special interest and romance attach to the career of Miss Bina Addy, the Bengalese ’ vocalist who is to give recitals every afternoon and night at the Savoy next week. A mezzo-soprano, her. voice has a delightfully musical lilt. While studying _at the Scotch Presbyterian College, in Calcutta, she first became interested in European music and in 1928 she went to Europe, her studies (occupying four and a-halr years) being taken in Rome, Leipzig, and London under such masters as Mario Cotogni, Eelna Gerhnrdt, and Frederic King. Concerts in London, Rome, Paris, and Berlin followed, and her reputation was enhanced when she broadcast from London and Berlin. At every recital, she was praised for the attractiveness of her voice, her artistic culture and her sincerity. Iffeturning to her native country, she had a march of triumph, crowned when she was invited to Simla to give a recital before the Viceroy and the Countess of Willingdon in September last. English and Scottish ballads’ and negro spirituals, as well as German and French songs, are in her repertoire. Her Indian songs include settings of the poems by Tagore, which she was taught by his nephew. Miss Bina Addy came to New Zealand from India to fulfil a broadcasting engagement, and the many who were delighted with her singing over the air will welcome the opportunity of making a more intimate association at the Savoy, where the vocalist will appear before a very original setting. An unusual floral decorative scheme will add to the attractive scene, in which the vocalist will appear in the colourful costume of her native land.