CHALIAPIN

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12538, 30 August 1926, Page 9

CHALIAPIN

GREAT RUSSIAN SINGER. In bis youth, Chaliapin’s shifting fortunes led him to earn his living for a time as an unloader of Volga barges. One day a wealthy man hearing him sing at his work, and surprised that a young man with so fine a voice should be engaged in such inartistic labour, stopped to inquire the name of the singer. “I am Chaliapin, of Kazan,” replied the herculean labourer, whose broad back was bent beneath the weight of a huge sack of grain, mopping his brow. "Some day vou swill be Chaliapin of the universe/’ was the enthusiastic rejoinder. Somewhat later Chaliapin was again sought out by the same man. He had succeeded in obtaining a hearing from the Moscow merchant,, Mamontev, who made art a hobby. Recognising the great possibilities in Chaliapin, Mamontev arranged for him to appear at the Nizhni Novgorod at the AllWorld Exhibition of 1896. There Chaliapin created such a sensation that a year later Mamontev financed a aeries of special operatic performances at Moscow exclusively for his benefit. From that time on his fame ■was assured, and Chaliapin realised the prophecy of his friend, for, to-day, his' name is known and admired in every city of the civilised world. 'lTie box plans for preferential book ings for the three Wellington concerts at the Grand Opera House on September 16th, 18th and 20th will open ar Aha Bristol this morning at 9.