TODD DUNCAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26229, 13 August 1946, Page 6

TODD DUNCAN

Todd Duncan, the celebrated American negro baritone, who will give two concerts in Dunedin next week, won fame with his brilliant interpretation of Porgy m the original production of " Porgy and Bess ” in 1935 Prior to that he had made, in addition to concert appearances, one excursion into opera, playing the role of Alfio in " Cavalleria Rusticana ” at Mecca Temple, in New York City. After the original " Porgy,” a great artistic, but originally not a commercial succces, Duncan went back for a few years to Howard University. Once again his academic work was interrupted by the call of the stage. This time he went to England, accompanied by his wife and young son. to appear with Leslie Banks and Edna Best in “ The Sun Never Sets," by the late Edgar Wallace. The play was a success, lasting 18 months at the Drury Lane. On his return to America he was engaged for the part of the Lawd’s General in “ Cabin in the Sky,” with Ethel Waters.

Todd Duncan went back t<3_ the role of Porgy in December. 1941. He sang to packed houses in New York for 10 months, then went with the company on a year's trans-continental tour. Porgy made Todd Duncan’s name famous throughout the country. To it, the baritone says, he owes the attainment of his life-time dream a real concert tour which Is bringing him here in a programme which will feature some of the most popular numbers from “ Porgy and Bess.” His profession, says Duncan, is his hobby In addition to singing, he enjoy 3 playing the piano and spends almost as much time at the keyboard as vocalising. Todd Duncan is touring New Zealand under the direction of Messrs J. and N. Tait. The first concert will be held In the Town Hall on August 20, and the second at His Majesty’s Theatre on August 22.