FINE PERFORMANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 127, 31 May 1935, Page 3

FINE PERFORMANCE.

BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. SUCCESSFUL FIRST CONCERT. An auspicious start was made by tlie Bohemian Orchestra in the Town Hall last evening, when a large audience appreciated to the full a well-balanced and interesting programme, in which tlie standard of performance throughout was commendably high. Although there was no magnum opus, the works presented were of a bright and tuneful character and within the scope of the players. Mancinelli's melodious overture, "Cleopatra," was given a line performance and made a very effective opening number. The good impression made by this was maintained by the rendition of Svendsen's tone poem, 'Romeo and Juliet," in which all sections combined happily to display tlie manifold beauties of the colourful orchestration. One of the most interesting presentations of the evening was that of the L'olovtsiau Dances from Borodin's opera, 'Prince Igor." These, a first performance by the orchestra, with their piquant iliythms, so captured the fancy of the ludience that the latter portion had to be repeated. Another 'popular number ivas German's "Welsh Rhapsody," a clever arrangement of several popular Welsh airs, "Loudly Proclaim o'er Land md Sea, This is the Home of Liberty," 'Hunting of the Hare," "David of the White Rock," "The Bells of Aberdovy," concluding with tlie grand old march, "Men of Harlech"—a stirring finish. A most enjoyable concert was brought to a -lose with the "Processional March" from Lppolitov-Ivanov's "Caucasian Sketches." The work of the orchestra throughout the avening was particularly good, and Mr. ■ olin Muston, the conductor, is to be congratulated for having obtained such an exceptionally fine ensemble from his players. Miss Edith Wliitelaw was the jsual efficient leader of the orchestra. The assisting performers were: Miss Leela Bloy, violinist; Miss Sybil Phillipps, soprano; and Mr. Oscar Mason, baritone. Miss Bloy delighted her audience with a brilliant performance of Sarasate's "Zigeunerweisen," for which she was recalled. One of the most pleasing features of the evening was Miss Sybil Phillippi' singing }f the air, "Depuis Le Jour," from Cliarpentier's opera, "Louise," and her encore number. "Morning," both given with much charm and expression, despite tlie handicap of a somewhat over-weighty piano accompaniment. In his singing of Verdi's familiar aria, "Eri Tu," Mr. Dscar Mason demonstrated that he possesses both a resonant baritone voice, if pleasing quality and temperament. Although, at the start, liis intonation was not impeccable, he so impressed the audience that ho was recalled. At his second appearance 011 the programme, Mr. Mason sang Allitsen's popular song. "The Lute Player," and, as a recall number, a vocal setting of Shakespeare's "Blow, Blow, riiou Winter Wind." ' .Mrs. Herbert Bloy accompanied the riolin numbers and Mr. G. 11. Wooley the songs.