MR JOHN FULLER'S BENEFIT CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 103, 1 May 1894, Page 2

MR JOHN FULLER'S BENEFIT CONCERT.

Mr John Fuller, the popular tenor, had agreab "aend-ott" ab the City Hall last night on the eve of hie departure for Christchurch," where he is to take over the management of the winter popular concerts. This was by no means the first crowded audience that the singer of' " Geraldine " had gathered together within the four walls of our largest hall, but never before was there assembled an audience so large and so thoroughly enthusiastic in their determination to demonstrate, in the , words of Mr Fuller's favourite ballad, " (Ye Don't Know How We Love Them Till We Lose Them." Every Beat was occupied, and a great many late comers had to be content with standing room. Mr Fuller made a neat little speech during the evening, thanking his numerous friends for their kindness in attending in such numbers, and setting out very concisely the reason of his approaching departure for fresh scenes and pastures new. Circumstances made it necessary for him to leave Auckland, bub he looked forward to the day when he hoped to be able to return. He mentioned also that the ladies ' and gentlemen who gave their services in providing the concert did so voluntarily and gratuitously. Mr Fuller, indeed, was on splendid terms with the audience, and the audience seemed as if they could not have eiiougn of Mr Fuller. His first song was " Salley in our Alley " which provoked an emphatic recall, to which the popular tenor responded with another favourite ballad. Later on Mr Fuller sane the ever popular'" My Pretty Jane."* He never eang better, and the audience clamoured loudly for an encore. "We Don't Know How wo Love Them Till we Lose Them " was sung with similar results, and there were loud calls for " Geraldine," which was duly served up for the hundredth time, and enjoyed as much as ever, Mr Fuller also sang with Miss Lizzie Warren the great "Miserere" duet (Trovatore), which was undoubtedly the finest item of the evening, and was rapturously applauded. In response to a recall, the latter portion of the duet was repeated. The dup6 " Love and War," sung by Mr Fuller and Mr A. S. Reid by way of finale, was also well received, and kept the audience till the end of an exceptionally long programme. Mr Fuller was in capital form, and quite eclipsed all previous performances. Of the numerous other items of the programme, we musb speak more briefly, but, generally, it may be said the items were admirably selected, well arranged, and most successfully rendered. Mr Archdale Taylersang " John Wellington Wells" in fine style, and in response to ari enthusiastic encore gave another . operatic selection. Miss Alice Rimoaer sang " The Star of Bethlehem " with much feeling, and in response to a loud demand, gave "The Pilgrim Fathers," also with fine effect. Miss Lizzie Warren gave a finished, interpretation of Denza's " Call Me Back," which also met with the thorough appreciation of the audience. Miss Brabazon played a " Fantaieie on American Airs," brilliantly, Miss Lily Brame the march "DeltaCappaEpisode" (A.S.Pease), and Merr Ziramermann gave in his ueual mastehly way a violin, solo (a) "Landler" (Zimme.rmann), , (b) " Elegie " (Ernst). Master tJohn Filler aang " Tell Me, Mother, Where Up Minnie" in a style that gives great promise jof his following in his father's footsteps, a(nd was deservedly rewarded with a recall, «^uly responded to. Mrs Kilgour gave "Sing Sweet Bird " most acceptably, and bowed her acknowledgments of the applause with which the item wae received. Other excellent items were contributed by Miss Birdie Butler, who sang " Dream Memories," and by Miss Katie Fitzpatrick, who received a loud recall for her singing of "Grace Darling," by Mr A.' J. Tapper, who ,^ave "My Sweetheart When a Boy," ,».tid Mr A. S. Reid, who sang "The King's Own," all or which items were loudly applauded. Recitations were given by Mr Alex. Smith, who opened with " Whaur's Ma Stockln' ?" and had to respond to a double encore ; by Miss Jennie Pollock, who recited in a most spirited manner, was also called back; {tnd by Mr Arthur Thomas, who started well, but rather outstayed his welcome. The accompaniments were played by Misses Brabazon, A. Mcllhone, Lily Brame,* Mrs A. Taylerand Mr W..H. Webbe.