THE GIFT OF SONG

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23832, 12 June 1939, Page 7

THE GIFT OF SONG

MADAME LOTTE LEHMANN A REMARKABLE OVATION (Special to Daily Times; WELLINGTON, June 11. The close of Lotte Lehmann’s recital on Saturday witnessed a scene reminiscent of the first visits to New Zealand of Dame Clara Butt and Amelita Galli-Curci. There was an oyation in which feet, hands and voices joined in joyous and excited recognition of the singer’s art and personal charm. When the house lights went up the great audience streamed out of the auditorium but not out of the theatre. They filled the foyer and wide footpath outside the Opera House, making it difficult for others even to pass. At last the diva appeared, looking radiantly happy in her long ermine evening cloak, carrying an armful of flowers. The crowd applauded and cheered her as she made her way smilingly through the crush to her waiting car.

Madame afterwards expressed her appreciation of the warmth of the recention.

FAMOUS SOPRANO’S RECITAL

Madame Lotte Lehmann, the celebrated soprano, who is making a tour of. New Zealand, will give one concert only in Dunedin. This will be at the Town Hall on Thursday next. Preferential applications for seats are now being received by the D.I.C. Lotto Lehmann was born at a small town called Perleberg on the North Rea. After leaving school, she made application for admission to the State Conservatorium with the idea of starting her career as a singer, but after an audition she was told that it was no use pursuing this course, as she had no “ concert voice." By dint of sheer forcefulness she eventually secured minor operatic roles at the Hamburg Opera House. Her first success came when she was called upon, at a moment’s notice, to take the place, through illness, of the leading soprano in the role of “Elsa” in “Lohengrin.” From that time she never looked back, and success followed success in quick succession. The solo pianist and accompanist with Lotte Lehmann will be ■P-aul Ulanowsky.