THE MELBA CONCERTS

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 1001, 13 May 1909, Page 17

THE MELBA CONCERTS

More than ordinary interest is evinced in the forthcoming visit of Madame Melba, who will give two concerts in Auckland on the 18th and 20th inst. Throughout her New Zealand tour Madame Melba has achieved a phenomenal triumph, every town and city she has visited being anxious to pay homage to this queen of song. “ When Melba sings ” (comments the “ Otago Times,” referring to her opening concert in Dunedin) one is convinced that all is perfectly right, and no singer need look for higher compliment. In its dramatic side her art is peculiarly, even startlingly, convincing and to hear her in operatic number’s on the concert platform is to imbibe an uncommon desire to hear her in the operatic roles in which, above all, she has gained her reputation.” The company supporting Melba is a distinctly talented one, consisting of Mr. Frederick Ranalow, who possesses an artistic baritone voice; Miss Una Bourne, solo pianist; Mr. John Lemrpone, a brilliant flautist; and Mr. Harold White, accompanist.