THURSDAY NIGHT'S BENEFIT CONCERT.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15243, 3 April 1915, Page 7

THURSDAY NIGHT'S BENEFIT CONCERT.

Well planned as regards scheme and purport, and musically of a high order, from a financial aspect the concert given at the Theatre Royal on Thursday evening, in aid of tho poor of Belgium, must have sadly disappointed tho promoter, Air L. Bowron. Though such a combination of New Zealand artists as appeared on tho platform together is rarely met here, the theatre was not half filled. The excellent programme, swelled to undue dimensions, since tho appeal for abstinence in tho matter of encores was equally ignored by audience and performers, had ultimately to bo curtailed, regretably omitting tho one number tuned to the sentiment of tho moment, viz., "Let AIo Like a Soldier Fall." In tho persons of Alosdames Gower-Burns and Ernest Firth, Alessrs Hamilton Hodges and Frank Graham, an excellent choico among leading vocalists had been made. Airs Gower-Burns, with her voice quite restored, shared with Mr Hamilton Hodges the honours duo to the artistry disclosed in their valued contributions, among which her conceptions of the fine Alascagni Aria. Alc-Dowell's charming song, "Thy Beaming Eyes," and, all but for the final note, Bernberg's brilliant '-Nymphs and Fawns" stood highest in compelling merit and effect. Always admirable in oratorio, Airs Ernest Firth seems too diffident on tho concert sta<-o for equal attainment, and tho low key necessary for the interpretation of her most prominent number, SaintSaens's beautiful Aria, weakens its appeal, although her cultured style of singing always commands sympathetic appreciation. In regard to volume and breadth of tone, Mr Hamilton Hodges's voice may no longer be in its prime, yet he still grows in art, refinement, aud spirit, as exemplified again in Arthur. Foote's lovely "Angelus," R-udd's "'Aline Enemy," and by the charm of "What Song Shall I Sing You," above all the purity and resonance of his •*me-_a voce" effects were with perfect clearness of enunciation happily blended to an artistic triumph. Mr Frank Graham still holds place and distinction as our finest operatic ienor; on this occasion the "Songs of Araby" and pre-eminently his part in the duet from "Trovatore" displayed his voice and skill to best advantage. Musically speaking, Alattei's "Bianca" should have been replaced by a better selection. With increasing opportunities Mrs James Alontcath's accomplishment of her aims in the difficult and' beautiful art of accompaniment

continues to rise to higher lercls. Mr Harry Ellwood, ably seconded at tho piano by his sister, played three violin soli with considerable skill and taste, warmly acknowledged by the audience. • To the many encomiums bestowed m the past upon the Orchestral Society and its conductor, frankly speaking, nono can bo added in the columns of to-day. With a starved, ill-balanced string body, quite ineffective in spito of Mrs Roy 'Pwyneharn's valiant efforts as leader, with "a sorry start and only partial recovery later on, this last performance of Tschaikowsky's cracker Suite.'' insufficiently polished as it was. in no way justified the crowding out of somo cf tho soloists. Least of all, did -anyono desire to hear tho "Tannhauser" March in these circumstances. And onward, not backward, wo would see them march! Tho well-sustained warmth of applause of the appreciative audienco was fittingly monopolised by tho soloists of tho noteworthy concert.