FAMOUS ARTISTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19204, 21 June 1924, Page 2

FAMOUS ARTISTS.

Three distinguished musicians—Zacharewitsch, Russian violinist; Lenghi-Ccllini, Italian tenor; and Cimara, composer and pianist—will open to two-night season in Tlis Majesty’s Theatre this evening. M. Zncharewitsch commenced the study of the violin as a child, and whilst in Kiev, playing as a lad of 14, he attracted the attention of Tschaikowsky, the eminent Russian composer, who arranged for the lad to accompany liim to Odessa to play there in his great concerts, with full orchestra. The youthful violinist subsequently continued his studies with Sevcik in Prague for two years. Tschaikowsky, it is said, contemplated a world tour with young Zacharowitsab, but this plan was not carried out owing -to the sudden death of the noted composer. Zacharcwitsch was associated for some time with the world-famous violinist Ysayo, at Brussels, for several months, and then toured Holland and a part of Germany. In 1903 he was engaged to go to London, and has achieved much distinction throughout. Great Britain as a violinist. The Italian tenor, Lenghi-Ccllini, graduated at the Bologna University as a doctor of laws, but owing to his love of music, and being possessed of a fine voice, he decided to forsake the law, and make his debut in Florence in “Rigoletto.” lie achieved great success both in his native country and in England. At the end of 1913 ho was engaged to sing with the Chicago Opera Company, and was in America when Italy joined the Allies in the Great War. He returned to Italy, joined the colours, and won the Military Cross. Since then ho has toured England with the concert company of the famous Tetrazzini.

The composer and pianist, Pietro Cimara, has won fame in Italy. Ho is assistantconductor at the Constanzi Opera House, Pome, and will return to that city in September to take up his duties in connection with the coming season. He has visited tlie United States, and whilst there acted as accompanist to Tetrazzini in her concert lours. Hast year be fulfilled an engagement in South America as conductor of operas at various centres. He lias published numerous compositions, several of which will l>o performed during tho concert season in Dunedin. THE visitors welcomed.

An “At Homo” was hold by the Otago' Women’s Club yesterday afternoon to do honour to throe distinguished musical artists who have just arrived in Dunedin. Signor Longhi-Gellini. a tenor singer of repute; M. Zaotiarewitsch, who is starred as a phenomenal performer on the violin; and Signoi- Pietro Cimara, the pianist of the trio. The visitors, wlio appear professionally this evening, were accorded a very warm welcome by Lady .Ferguson, the lady president of the club. It is generally recognised that really good musicians do not frequently come to places far distant from tho great centres of tho world, and that was probablv what actuated tho club in giving tho “At Home” in honour of the visitors. A very pleasant hour was spent in social intercourse, and flic visitors had reason to feel flattered by tho compliment paid thorn. The usual afternoon tea was partaken of.