The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-02-18
NELLIE AKO SARA KOUNS

At the city auditorium last evening
a concert of much merit was enjoyed
by many Topekans and a number of
out of town lovers of good singing.
The Misses kouns were a pleasant
surprise in more than one way. /
never heard them before but 1 have
heard so many people speak of the
'Kouns girls in a manner which
would convey that they are two little
girls who are making quite a hit with
their townfoIk. The fact is the two
ladies in question are matured artists
and while the great majority OF To-
pekaRs were drowsily thinking about
them they have made amazing strides
in their artistic growth.
They display extraordinary intelli-
gence and versatility. They sing
equally well in Spanish. French, Ger
man and even a few English songs
were given.
AS soloists they both are excellent
in style, intonation and enunciation
and they do not resort TO any of the
dislikable affectations which many
concert artists inflict upon themselves
and their audiences. In duet singing
they have no equals on the concert
stage today. The blending of their
voices is fascinatingly captivating and
they do it all with such delicious e
finement that I am tempted to say it
battles comparison with anything 1
have heard.
These two inimitable duo singers
are a refreshing addition to the con-
about their having been little girls
here in town can they be judged in
their true artistic light. No one can
cherish any doubt as to the splendid
success they will continually encoun-
ter in the music world. They do not
appeal to their audiences in a sub
jectiVe manner. They go forth strict =
ly on their merits and they will COM
pei admiration wherever they appear
in concert.
Their program last night was very
exacting and when one of them had
some trouble with "a high d she
stamped her foot on the stage in "A
way which left no doubt as to her
chagrin, but 1 am positive all of her
hearers knew beyond a doubt that she
could sing that note just as clearly
and absolutely in pitch as she did the
rest.
Both of these artists are a iivin,;
demonstration of what height can be
reached by honest endeaVor and cour-
ageous application. for please bear in
mind that these ladies' did not have TO
go thru all the dish a tenIng struggles
attendant upon wrestling recognition
from the world at. large as well az
from the ever doubtful home public.
BY tbs 1 mean that they were net
compelled by want to travel the hard
road to success. They have faced
these things because of love for their
art with quiet overpowering persist
ence until they have succeeded.
Mr.. Granville English is a Hkable
accompanies. He possesses the rar.
power of discrimination which helps
accompanies build up a helpful but
not glazing background for their solo
lists.
Another interesting feature is the
personalities of the Misses Kouns.
They are both beautiruI women and
they Were exquisitely attired in wnaE
were doubtless the most artistic gowns
which have appeared on the Topeka
concert stage this season. may in
deed say that these ladies are beautf-
full. tuneful and charmingly graceful.
Mr.. Ernest Parr decorated the
stage very effectively.
DANIEL A MULLER.