MELBA'S FAREWELL

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16834, 28 June 1926, Page 7

MELBA'S FAREWELL

A BRILLIANT EFFORT.

BEFORE A GREAT ASSEMBLAGE.

REMARKABLE SCENES,

(Australian and N.Z. Cabie Assn.) LONDON, June 26.

The farewell concert given by Dame Nellie Melba at the Albert Hall last evening was a memorable occasion. After flic prima donna's first song she was surrounded by a bower of roses which were sent up to her in numerous baskets.

Melba sang "Addlo" from "La Bohcme" soulfully, almost tearfully, but everybody forgot it was her farewell. Slic was still as radiant as a rose *o everybody, just as full of glory, and above all, still Melba who sway.-, multitudes.

* The brilliant assemblage gave the diva a wonderful welcome, and her arms were outstretched as though cn- ! folding all present even before she had sung a note. Then "cooees" resounded from all parts of the house. Remarkable Closing Scones.

Melba's most brilliant efforts were "Adrlio" and "Ave Maria," from "Othello." The former was obviously a great test for her emotions, but she sang it like a genius. When she was given an ovation Melba threw kisses, but the audience would not be quiet until she sat at the piano and played and sang "Home, Sweet Home."

The closing scenes brought the waving of a hundred tiny Australian flags, more "cooees," and cheers, none more hearty than from the King's box, where the Australian cricketers sat. Their welcome as they entered was one of the early events of the evening. After the final encore Melba made a very feeling speech. She said: "My friends and fellow countrymen—because the presence of the Australian cricketers does bring back home to mo —i am sorry to go, but I am not going lo regret it, because you are so loyal and faithful lo me. Perhaps there will come another irl-1." (Voices: "No, Melba.") '

A Whispered Good-bye. "All I ask my dea darling public is that you give me a passing thought," said the diva, "and say, '.we loved Melba.' " As a rousing climax the audience sang "Auld Lang Syne," and "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow." Melba disappeared after an almost, whispered "Good-bye, fare thee well. An Australian singer, Mr John Brownlee, achieved instant popularity for his spirited singing of the prologue from ,1 Pagliaiei," with full orchestra conducted by Sir Henry Wood.