AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15773, 14 December 1916, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

LIEDERTAFEL CONCERT. The smoke concert of the Liedertafel, under Dr. Bradshau's energetic and inspiring direction, filled the Scottish Society's "Rooms completely, the change of the day apparently proving benehci&'l for the attendance. The choir fairly revelled in sound last night, beating their own records. Realising more and more the vocal capacity or the weighty basses behind them, the higher voices strenuously strove to keep pace with their own, attaining a brilliancy and volume of tone svt times almost excessive for the locality. A fine vigour and spirit pervaded such everwelcome martial part-songs as C° iriidge Taylor's beautiful "\!ikirtgs Song" and Grieg's finely effective "I/anderkennung," wherein the • 6010 part was brought out in the stateliest manner by Mr C. Clarkson. Then Hatton's ' '"Warriors' Song" called forth their utmost lung-power, and Dr. Bridge's ele-ver "Bold Turpin'' their keen sense of humour. In the more sentimental types there is still scope for the higher cultivation of tonebeauty joined with a more frequent employment of the "messa di voce," although breath-control in piano effects has improved greatly in their latest concerts, benefiting the production. In Abt's "Evening" Mr Beveridge sane the solo well, but somewhat haltingly. . • As soloists they paraded some or their best voices. Mr W. J. Trewern sang m splendid voice and good style Sanderson's telling song "'Lorraine" and Lfohr's "Star of the South," and -Mr C. Ciarkson, very finely and expressively, in particular, Foote's "Requiem." Against these two shining stars of the choir, Mr Bowie and Mr Freeman had a rather difficult stand, but nevertheless held their own fairly. The habit of constantly moving his head prejudices somewhat Mr Bowie's tone-production: it is owing to an effort to accentuate the expression. Dr. Leslie Crooke, who was a reliable, though at times a rather too solid accompanist, did not in his soli, among which Leschetitzky's "Deux Alouettes" wbs the best played, find himself executionally in as good trim as on the last occasion he was heard in Dr. Lloyd's Cantata. FESTIVAL OF NEW ZEALAND The Festival of New Zealand Music was brought to a close in His Majesty's Theatre last evening, when the attendance showed a considerable improvement on that of the previous nights. Mr J. J. Dougall presided, and after the singing of the National Anthem, he addressed a few words _to tbe audience, pointing out the objects of the movement, which was to try to develop New Zealand's talent in singing; playing, and composing, and to help New Zealand to develop something of her very own in the musical world. The movement, he said, had not met with every encouragement, but its supporters were in nowise discouraged, and they still held the hope that .their efforts would lead to success. Mr Dougall also announced that on Sunday next member 6 of the orchestra and choir would contribute items in the open-air in the Domain, where they would be assisted by the Lvttelton "Marino Band.

The programme last evening consisted of Mr Arthur Lilly's choral works, "Soldiers' Requiem," "Life," "Christmas Joy," and "God is Our Hope," The accompaniments were played on the .city organ by the composer, and the 6oloists were Messrs Sidney Williamson (baritone), and Montague Gillmore < tenor), and Miss Elsio Large (soprano). PAUL DUFAULT. The box plan for the Paul Dufault season of three concerts is now on view at The Bristol. The great responso of the public indicates with what admiration Mr Dufault is regarded here. The tenor has a great following in Christchurch. Mr Dufault, who comes fresh from a triumphant torn- of Australia, ha« brought with him a number of new songs, which he will introduce at these good-bye concerts. The tenor s opening number at to-morrow's concert will be the martial "Sound an Alarm" from "Judas Maccabajus.' His first group will include a new song which met with instant success in Australia, entitled "Requiem," by Sydney Homer. The Sydney "Daily. Telegraph" says of Paul Dufault's singing: '•It seems to be coloured by a wide, sane outlook on life and the world; a love of the sun and stars, the flowers and the dew. tho earth and the. sea.' It is this hum aim ess in his singing that has undoubtedly been one of the greatest factoi'6 in Mr Dufault's success. PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. Commencing to-day at noon at the Globe Theatre, Mary Pickford will be seen in the charming comedy-drama "Mistress Sfell." The action of the picture follows closely that of the famous play from which it is adapted. The following films are "The Traitor (.Bosworth drama), "Topical Budget (war items), and "John Bulls Sketch Book" (cartoons). "A Modern Joan of "Arc," the ' Pathe Gazette," featuring the movements of a "tank" in rough country, etc. and tho various other films of the excellent programme now being shown at tho Queen's Theatre, led large numbers or the public to each session at that popular picture-house yesterday. Today the same films will be screened. In "Tho Soul of iNew York," now drawing capacity houses at Starland, Miss Valeska Suratt, not only displays many marvellous costumes, but is responsible for some powerful dramatic acting. Notably is this the case m the mad scene, which brings the sensational drama to a sudden and unexpected end. The star attraction for the ' balance of this week at the day sessions is "The Fighting Hope," starring Laura Hope Crews, and is a picturisation of David Belasco's recent stage success. "Little Pal," in which the popular film idol, Mary Pickford, almost excels herself, proved as big an attraction a s ever at Everybody's Theatre yesterday, and the well-balanced supporting programme met with much appreciation. Tho same pictures will be 6hown today. , . „ + The current weeks programme, at His Majesty's was screened in th~ King's Theatre last evening, owing to His Majesty's Theatre building being otherwise engaged. "Sons of e Sea," "Losing "VVeiglu, and the other it-ems of the excellent selection of films were all well received by the large attendance. To-night the 6ame pictures will be shown in His Majesty's. "The Fighting Hope" continues to be a big attraction at the Sydenham Pictures, where a first-class, all-round programme is being screened this week. To-night the same pictures will be seen. . Edmund Breese in the Metro drama "The Weakness of Strength" continues ' to be a strong attrition at the Grand Theatre. This excellent photo-rplny -will be shown for only two more nights. An interesting supporting programme is shown at all sessions.