WIFE OF FAMOUS SINGER

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

WIFE OF FAMOUS SINGER

MRS. JOHN BROWNLEE. INTERESTING PERSONALITY.’ Considerable, social interest attaches to. the forthcoming visit to Taranaki of the world-famous young baritone, John Brownlee, for; the singer is bringing his wife with him, and the young couple have already/met many prominent NewZealand citizens—either in Paris, where Mr. Brownlee holds the position of principal; baritone at the'Paris Opera House; in London, during the Covent - Garden season; or in Australia, where Mr. Brownlee has just, concluded a record tour .of ninety-two concerts/ .. . Apart altogether from her position as the wife of a . great operatic and concert artist, Mrs. Brownlee is herself a most interesting personality. Before her marriage! she was the Contessa Carla Odonne di Feletto, a member of one of the oldest families of the Piedmont nobility. Although her home ‘was in Turin, Mrs. Brownlee spent several years of her girlhood in Milan, where she’ learned to know and love opera, and where she incidentally became an accomplished pianist. Thus, w’hen later the young Contessa met John Brownless for the first time in Paris, as fellow-students at the Sorbonne, they found they had a common bond in music, and romance sprang into being at first sight. Their marriage took place nearly four years ago, and they have a fascinating little daughter who is now “rising three.” Tiny Delphina Brownlee is the goddaughter of the late Dame Nellie Melba, whose interest and encouragement played no small part in first bringing John Brownlee under the notice of the musical world ift his student days. It was at little Delphina’s christening party in Paris that Dame Nellie made her last appearance in public, for a few days later die embarked on -the voyage that ended fate ally for her. Widely-travelled, highly cultured—she speaks four languages fluently—and-possessed of a keen sense of humour, Mrs. Brownlee makes hosts of friends in every country she visits. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee are both looking forward with the keenest anticipation to their New Zealand tour, and it is their intention to see as much as possible-of both islands. They are bringing their own car, and another important part of their luggage is a movie-camera, for they are both enthusiastic photographers.