MISS AMY CASTLES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 February 1911, Page 5

MISS AMY CASTLES.

WELCOMED ON ARRIVAL. AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW. Miss Amy Casties, the famous soprano, and her concert party, consisting of Herr Alexander Comphausen (bass baritone), Herr Louis Hattenbach (’cellist) and Mr William Conway (pianist), arrived in Greymouth from Christchurch last evening, and was met at the local railway station by severa Ihundred people. Immediately after the Otira express had stopped, the Hon A. R. Guinness M.P., speaking from the carriage platform, said that he desired, on behalf of those assembled to accord a hearty welcome to Miss Amy Castles, the celebrated singer who, would give them a, musical treat on Thursday night. He was sure that they would all heartily appreciate Miss Castle’s action in coming to the Coast, especially as she was in the forefront of the musical world. At his call, three hearty cheers were given for Australia’s Queen of Song, who graciously bowed her acknowledgement . Waited upon this morning, Miss Castles, bright and radiant, and of a winsome personality, chatted interestingly of her travels to a “Star" reporter. She spoke most enthusiastically of the overland journey from Christchurch, which she- made for the first time yesterday. She was particularly charmed with the rugged scenery of the far-famed Otira Gorge, of which she has seen few equals in her worldwide travels.

Miss Castles desired to particularly say how much she appreciated the flattering reception accorded her at the Railway Station last night, by her admirers. She had experienced -that true welcome for which the West Coast was noted. She had looked forward to her visit to Westland and already felt that she would not be disappointed. Miss Castles, whose methods are those of a finished artist, and whose voice—its natural- beauty and purity of tone —have earned for her a worldwide reputation, was naturally diffident about speaking about herself, but remarked that she had had a very successful tour in the south, being greeted with crowded houses in Christchurch and Dunedin and other towns. Owing to the limited time at her disposal, Miss Castles is only able to give concerts -at Greymouth and Hokitika on the West Coast, as she must leave for Nelson via, Reef ton on Friday morning. She will give concerets in Nelson, Blenheim and Wellington. Miss Castles, who recognises that Greymouth and Hokitika are a splendid music loving community, has arranged an attractive programme for her concerts in these towns, —a programme which should suit all tastes. That, we might add, should prove to be the case, for Miss Castles as a concert singer possesses all the qualities indispensable, to. those who would excel, and her engaging stage personality enhances the impression created by her fine proficiency in the vocal art.

Questioned as to her future movements, Miss Castles said that it is her intention to leave in April next for London where she is engaged for grand opera. She had received an offer for grand opera in Italy, but had declined it.. She had also been made a. tempting offer to appear, alternately with Madame Melba in grand opera—in Madame Butterfly, La Boheme, Faust, etc., but had as yet come to no final decision.. Great as was her desire to remain in Australia, the, allurements of grand opera in London were such that she felt bound to abide by her decision to go home in April. However, she looked forward to the time when she would return, to Australasia.

The illustrious and poular young singer, Miss Amy Castles, will give a concert in Greymouth at the Opera House to-morrow night, when she will be supported by her splendid company of preeminent artists, comprising Herr Alexander Camnhausen (bass baritone), from Leipzig. Herr Louis Hattenbach (’cellist), and Mr William Conway (pianist). To suit the convenience of country patrons, the concert wil Inot commence till 8.15 p.m.