GALA PERFORMANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 269, 13 November 1935, Page 5

GALA PERFORMANCE.

VIENNESE CHORISTERS. " BAST!EX AND BASTIENNE." Every seat in His Majesty's Theatre was occupied last night when the Viennese Boys' Choir presented a gala, performance in honour of Austria's National Day. Included in the audience were the members of the various Consular corps of the city. In place of the usual group of saercd and eiassical numbers, an opening was made with the performance of Mozart's opera in one act, "Bastien and Bastienne," or, to give it its full name, "Les Amours de Bastien et Bastienne," this being a parody of RosseauVj intermezzo "Le Devin du Village." It is interesting to note that Mozart was but twelve years of age when he composed this little work, or about the same age as those who took part in last night's performance. Both this and Schubert's operetta "Der Hausliche Krieg" ("Domestic War"), which followed after, were most enjoyable, the audience by its frequent and hearty applause showing that it fully appreciated the simjjlicity and charm of the boys' delightful performances. Several very beautiful numbers were given in the concluding presentation of the evening. These included Paulina's solo with chorus from Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Schumann's expressive "Gipsy Life" and the folk song "Little Sandman," this providing an opportunity for some delightful pianissimo singing; Mozart's "Cradle Song," several w'altz songs, Brahms' "Awaken, My Beautiful Sweetheart," and another folk song, "A Hunter AVent a-Hunting." The conductor's interpretations of these were most tasteful, and not the least attractive feature of the evening was his work at the piano, which was most artistic and musicianly. There will be a matinee this afternoon, and to-night's performance will bring the choir's Auckland season to a close.