OPERA HOUSE

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 12 December 1912, Page 8

OPERA HOUSE

MADAkE KIRKBY LUNN'S

CONCERT

Truly the world is growing smaller lime was, and that not so long agoj when England seemed a tremendous distance from New Zealand, and Antipodeans dreamed as little of visiting the world s metropolis as they did of one day beeqmine; millionaires. The great artists of the. theatrical and musical world were mere names, the owners wrapped vi that garment of wonder bordering on adoration which ever surrounds tho unattainable. To-day, however, a great change has come. England has been brought near to us, and the great artists one by one have come to our shores. Tho latest addition., to an illustrious roll is Madame 'Kirkby Limn, who stands in the front rank of the world's contraltos. The announcement that Wunganui was to be included in Mad- ', fine's tour was a signal for much re- | joieing, and it was a foregone conclusion that her concent would attract a very large audience. Such proved to be the case, the Opera House being filled last evening, when there occurred a scene of enthusiasm such as has l'arelv been .excelled. Small wonder. Even were Madame Kirkby Lunn not included in the party, the combination would rank as one of the best that have visited New Zealand. But when the party is head-ed 'by such a star as Madame Kirkby Lunn, a world-famous artist at the height of her power, tho sumptu- j ousness of the feast provided may bo realised. 'Madame Kirkby Lunn -was in particularly good voice last evening, J and as, with her characteristic good ; nature, she mad© a generous response ' to encores," the audience were given a \ very fine opportunity to hear the great ' singer's voice in all its' phases. Her ! opening number, "Softly Awakes My Heart" (from "Samson and (Delilah"), ' sung with great passion, was productive of much enthusiasm,'lQud applause continuing till the singer, who again and again had bowed her acknowledgments, sang the well known " All Souls' t Day" in a manner such as has perhaps !

i " * . '' . never been heard here. Madame's nejs;t contributions were two songs by ! Brahms, "Sapphische .Ode" and "Yon Ewiger Liebe." . These, songs, totally different in character, wore niagnificently sung, v and the audience was roused to an enthusiastic pitch, Madame .being compelled to sing two more songs. The first was "Vergiblischer-Standchen,"-by Brahms, and the second a delightful ' song by Schumann. Greatly as the I numbers mentioned above had Jbeen enj joyed, the most popular items were' those reserved for the last: •■" Love is .a Dream," and "Morning—a.nd You" were charming, and the audience applauded vociferously. When the pian- , ist eventually played the opening notes of "Three Fishers," delight manifested ! itself, and then perfect stillness "ensued while Madame sang the song with which her name has always 'been so intimately associated^ That the audience flbecame enthusiastic is but.to state a fact mild;-' ly, and their persistence was rewarded by hearing "Jock o' Ha?eldean," the old Scotch 'ballad being sung splendidly. As we have said,: the company supporting Madame Kirkby Lunn is exceeding.ly good. Mr. Williani Murdoch if a i very fine pianist, who6e methods are quite unconventional. Despite the fact i . that something was amiss with the Diano, an irritating vibration being heard, he played charmingly. M. Ajidre de^Ribaupierre is a violinist of great ah-ilityf and His numbers were vociferously encored. With Herr Johan Wielaert, an exceptionally fine accompanist, h> played beautif ullythe first movement of Beethoven's r'Sonata in F. Major." Mr. Andrew Shanks, the baritone of the party, rnafle himself very popular. He is the possessor of a fine voice, which he used to advantage in "The Prologue to Pagliacci'^whiCli was sung in English), 'fKing Charles," "Pipes of Pan";", and "Border Ballad." Taken altogethier the concert was a distinct success, and it will not soori"foe forgotten by those who were privileged to be pre- ! sent.