Lotte Lehmann

It has been a good many years since any song recitals in Wellington have offered such excitement anil distinction as those recently given by Lotte Lehmann.

Singing songs by Brahms, Schubert. Schumann, Wagner and Puccini, Madam Lehmann swept her listeners from their feel. Madam was dellghted with the kind thoughts and greetings extended to her from "Salient" and readily recounted several of her interesting experiences as well as offering advice and encouragement to students.

One would not believe it possible that Lotte Lehmann, star of opera, has ever known disappointment, discouragement : cruel blows to her youthful ambitions. Now at the crown of her career, we could believe that her beautiful artistry has always been a part of her make-up. With a charming stage presence, she is essentially natural and understanding. Hence her tremendous appeal to all classes or audience.

But her climb to the top has not been spectacular or very rapid, rather one of dogged persistence. In her own words "I always had that Indomitable will to succeed and no amount of disappointment could disillusion a sincere belief in my capabilities. Not once, but many times, especially during the early stages of tuition as a young girl, my high hopes were almost dashed to the ground." Her tutors were sorry but she would never be a success. In fact, she could not sing! They could recommend a career as a typiste or perhaps as a governess but a singer—definitely no ! !