AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 13730, 21 October 1908, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

IRENE AINSLEY COMPANY. A great vocal treat is said to be in store for musical people when the abort' famous New Zealand contralto gives her concert in the Theatre Royal on Friday next, the 23rd instant. It will be remembered that Miss Ainsley left Auckland four, years ago to 6tudy in Europe, ana whilst there was heard by Madame Melba, who became so enraptured with the beauty of her voice I hat she has since supervised Miss A'tisley's studies, impaiting to her even the secrets of her owu wonderful production. It js now some eighteen months 6ince Miss Ainsley'a memorable debut concert in the Bechsfein Hall, London, when Their Royal High nesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, were present, and the young contralto was accorded a great reception by the critics of the day. Since that concert Miss Ainsley's career ha 6 been-a brilliant one, and she has appeared at various times with the greatest artists of the world, including Busoni, Bachauss, Ben Daries, Ella Russell, Do'nalda, and Ma - dame Melba, who now sends her protegee on thia tour of New Zealand, in order that the people of her native laud might have the opportunity of again hearing what has been described as the' most beautiful contralto voice in the world. Miss Ainsley has won the most eluogistic praise everywhere 6he has sung, and hns brought a strong concert company with her, including Mr Hamilton Hodges, the favourite New Zealand baritone, so that a musical treat of considerable importance awaits us in this concert. The Box Plan in on view at tlie Dresden.