FOR YOUNG SINGERS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIX, Issue 8125, 25 April 1906, Page 3

FOR YOUNG SINGERS.

Mr Bernard Espinasse has been interviewing JViiaa Ada Croasley for the "British Australasian" with the object of obtaining advice for colonial vocalists who hope to make a name for themselves in London. The famous oontialto was very frank, not to say discouraging. "A groat many Australian singers conae to EuKlaud," sho said, "expecting to Quel that their path will be niado easy for them from the outset, and that because a few have reached the top of the tree all must do so. There never was a greater fallacy. To succeed to the English concert platform is a MATTER OF TERRIBLE uncertainty, and often appalling difficulty. I must say that I think a great many of them are by no means prepared to work hard eoough. They Jill-equipped, expecting at once to meet ai agent who will immediately put them on the road to success. One of the first essentials is to have a repertoire; they often come without any. If an artist expects to

ceed, he or she must have a definite programme; be prepared to sing j ANY class op music, from the simple ballad to the aria of gland opera, at often, literally, a moment's notice. In other words, they must be ready to seize any ohaDoe which is offered by them, and I have found that very few come thus armed for the battle wbiob is before them." But it is not all a question of voice and art. ''Ahove all things," said Miss Crosslej, "the aspirants must have money. Most colonial singers go to LONDON ILL-FURNISHED in this most vital respect, with the result that the struggle wbiob has to bo faced ir» every profession, becomes infinitely harder. I will say distinctly that those who come to London from Australia, with the | determination to make names as singers should do so with funds in pocket sufficient to keep them for at least three years." "I advise Australians to stay where they are unless THEY POSSESS EXCEPTIONAL MERIT and are prepared to wait," she went on emphatically. "London is overcrowded. Conservatoires and schools of every distinction are annually turning loose upon the English concert platform hundreds of singers with voices above the average. It is a hard life, and an exacting one, and it involves a rigid self-denial in all social observances."