TWO DISTINGUISHED BELGIAN SINGERS

New Zealand Tablet, 20 May 1915, Page 31

TWO DISTINGUISHED BELGIAN SINGERS

Mdlle Lina Nybex-g, coloratura soprano, and Mons Paul Saldaigne from the Theatre Royal, Antwerp, are to appear in a grand operatic concert in the Garrison Hall on Friday, May 28. Both these artists were in Antwerp during the bombardment, and were fox'tunate enough to make their escape with two hundred of their townsfolk, who shared the comforts of a cowshed, one cup, and one towel for a whole week. Although they relate the story of their escape in a quiet, unassuming manner, it is easy to recognise the horror of the situation of all who were making for the neutral borders of Holland. The visiting artists, after many trials and vicissitudes, crossed the border, ultimately securing a passage to London, where they gave some wonderfully successful concerts in aid of their brothers and sisters in Belgium. Mons. Saldaigne has sung in grand opera with such great artists as Caruso, Nordica, Melba, Zexxatello, etc. He played the part of Rudolph (Caruso’s great part in ‘La Boheme ’) at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, at the time the great tenor had an affection of the throat, and was heralded throughout America as one of the finest exponents of this role. At the forthcoming concert, Mons. Saldaigne will sing ‘ The poet’s song,’ ‘ Your little hands are frozen,’ which is recognised as one of the gems of Puccini’s great work, and with Mdlle. Nyberg many of the scenas from the grand operas. It behoves one and all to attend this the first concert in our city by Belgian artists, and thus show our appreciation of our gallant little allies. The box plan will be open at the Bristol at an early date, and inquiries have set in from everywhere already for reserved accommodation.