MUSIC NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1469, 20 June 1918, Page 27

MUSIC NOTES.

(By

“G” String.)

A sister of Sir Thomas Beecham, now one of the leading figures in the English music world, has just made her debut in grand opera with the Carl Rosa Company, and an unusual story attaches to her appearance. Although possessed of considerable means under the will of her father (the late Sir Joseph Beecham, Bart.) Miss Jessie Beecham (in private life Mrs. Delphine) determined not to use the prestige of her name and family in beginning a professional career. With characteristic independence, she assumed a name, and the account of her engagement may be given in the words of the manager of the Carl Rosa Company, Mr. Henry Brandreth: “Some time ago there came to one of our auditions a young lady, who sang to Mr. Van Noorden, Mrs. Carl Rosa and Mr. Winckwood. Her voice being favourably considered, she was at once engaged, and joined the company. Soon after, at Glasgow, she gave us her real name. Asked why she had not disclosed this at the voice trial, she said she did not wish to be engaged for any other reason than the merit of her voice.” Miss Beecham is a member of a family that is noted for its love of music and the drama. Her father, the late Sir Joseph Beecham, was well known for the big musical enterprises he undertook in conjunction with his son, Sir Thomas Beecham. He was also the proprietor of several theatres, and himself an excellent musical amateur, Mdlle. Antonia Dolores, the celebrated French vocalist, is booked to open a Dominion tour shortly under the management of Mr. Duncan Neven. For the coming tour, Mdlle. Dolores has prepared a number of entirely new items, though no doubt, and it is to be sincerely hoped she will do so, a number of the old favourites will be included in the programmes to be presented, without which a Dolores concert would no doubt be lacking.