LYDIA LIPKOVSKA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17219, 10 December 1923, Page 5

LYDIA LIPKOVSKA.

third concert. An ovation which would be a pleasant memory for any operatic star greeted Madame Lvdia Lipkovska after she had finished the singing of the final number of her third concert in the Theatre Royal on Saturdaynight. She achie-red an unquestionable triumph and those who heard her left the building filled with that sense of exultation which is experienced alter an encounter with genius. There may be finer singing voices than hers in opera 10-day, but it is certain that there is no greater artist. This little Russian lady is as fine an artist as any that has ever visited the countrv. Her art is so subtle that the exercise of it is scarcely noticed, yet it is always there. One minute she will be as regal as a queen, and iu the next, although the change is scarcely perceptible, she can transform herself into the demurest of maidens. Her genius is a composite one and it seems -to he impossible to narrow it down to a class because it is really composed of many elements, each one quite important in iteelf. That which many great artists lack she possesses, and yet there is very little they possess which she lacks. Nothing but a rare and delightful fusion of several arts could make her genius possible. She is a brilliant singer beyond all question, she is a. superb actress, and she has the elusive and fascinating personality which must have gone far towards making her beloved in her own country. The absolute restraint of her art is shown in her dressing for tfie different songs she sings. The dresses themselves are elaborate beyond all comparison, but by her own manner Lipkovska seems to reduce the whole effect to an artistic which goes far towards the interpretation of her number. So well does she do this that every song she sings is readily understood by her audience. She may sing it in Russian. French, or Italian, but the emotions and their expression break beyond the confines of nationality. and Lipkovska conveys the required meaning with the slightest pose or gesture. Her mobile fa.ee. too. can tell stories of tragedy or comedy as only that of an accomplished actress

The programme presented on Saturday night contained a. few popular numbers, and it was varied enough to give an idea of the full range of Madame Lipkovska’s power. The “Mad Scene” from “Lucia de Lammermoor ” was a number which showed Lipkovska in her true sphere, that of grand opera. In it she was given an opportunity to show that she is a dramatic as well as a lyric soprano. .A flute obligato was played bv Mr

acting that has made him famous. A Sunshine comedy with A 1 St John, entitled “Fool Days,” and the latest Fox news will complete this interesting programme.