ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 233, 25 June 1908, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

KUBELIK. The following,is a pen picture by a Melbourne writer of Kubelik, the famous violinist, who opens his season in Wellington at the Town Hall to-morrow night:—" Yj'ith his slendor figure, his immovable,' swarthy countenance framed by a curtain of black hair, and his dolicate, nerrous fingers, the artist represents a strikingly original specimen of tho Bohemian race. His features bear no trace of ever having beon lit up by '» smile. They tell of indomitable resolution and stern work, thus disclosing some of tho factors of an exceptionally brilliant career. Like a mask, these features covor an artistic susceptibility of great refinement, a musician's soul, which, by sovereign mastership over ovorv means of expression, has provided itself with tho possibility of freely uttering its emotions and aspirations. Comparatively few of even tho most prominent interpretative artists get so far. Hence tho fascination of Kubelik's play." Three conccrts in 'all will bo given in Wellington, namely, on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, June 27, 29, and 30.

OPERA HOUSE. Tho "management" wore an expansive smile last evening, when for the sixth night in succession many had to be refused admission to tho performance of the Rickards's Vaudeville Company on account of tho crowded state of the theatre. The company is. certainly one of the bost Mr. Rickards has sent to New Zealand, and it must prove an incentive to exploit the country furtherwith similarly high-grade performers. The acts of the Klos Sisters and the Artois Brothers are conspicuously clover, and there is a distinct charm about the performance of the Miles-Stavordalo Quintet, though a little more variety would not bo unwolcomc. Tho "turns" of Mr. Leonard Nelson, Miss Alma Gray, and Geo. Dean are also brightly interesting. On Saturday evening an entirely new programme will be submitted, including new and wonderful acts, songs, dances, etc. • THEATRE ROYAL. The Fuller Vaudeville and Biograph Company attracted another largo audience la-st evening. _ To a satisfying bill entertaining contributions were/made by "The Swifts" (who introduce singing, dancing, and bright comedy into a smart' sketch), tho Armon Bros., Miss Beatrice Butler, Carlton and Sutton, Miss Brightie Smith (a winsome Borio), and Miss Blanch Carolli. Mention should also be made' of the splendid biographic 1 view of the Grand National Stceplochnse. A ballad singing competition will bo held this evening, the winner to receive a told medal.

OLYMPIA. ' The delights of skating on. these cold' nights' '.aro attracting hundreds to.. th« Olympia. Skating Rink in Ingestro Street. This evening a ' second-class handicap (15 lops) -mil bo got off, and to-monw evening ia sot down as n club night.. A poster carnival is. to b« held onJuly 15. CHOPIN AND FRANZ. The last of tho series of lecture-concerts arranged by Miss Beatrice Richmond and Mr. Robert Parker was given last night in the Sydney Street Schoolroom, when there was «• very good attendance. The tiro composers dealt with were Chopin and Robert FrniiE, and Mr. Parker , began with an interesting biographic#! sketch of Chopin, passing briefly over tho facts of his life, and dealing chiefly with his position among composers. Compared with any other recognised master of the art, said Mr. Parker, Chopin's output seems exceedingly small. Ho was an avowed specialist, ana dovotod himself to pianoforte composition: of choral-composi-tion, of symphony, of opora he' hss left us not a single example. A few Polish songs oomprise all that he has ever writton for the human voice. A single pianoforte trio is his only contribution to concerted music. The few thin volumes of pianoforte music which represent his life's work stand-alone in their individuality, and style combining feeling and interest of expression .with the highest finish of-detail: ; He devoloptd a now teohniqno out of his chosen medium, -a technique which could belong to no other instrument. Mr. .Psrker spok# rery' briefly of Robert . Franz, who is even to-day almost unknown both' to amateurs and to many professionals;' but'who was admired'greatly by''such, men as Liszt, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Wagner. Three studies of Chopin were played with exquisite tasto by Miss Beatrice Richmond, tho last, No. 9, in G Flat, in particular being played with perfect ease. Tho two preludes, Nos. 22 and 23, were well rendered, but perhaps her best performances wore tho "Nocturne," "Polonaise;'.';:-and , "Soherzo,"each of which was delightfully oxecuted; Air:. Parker played two mazurkas in illustration of that' part of his lecture. Mr. Searlo gave a very .good rendering of several of tho songs of' Robert. Franz,--and, Miss May Nowman's several songs were very much appreciated by the audionce;her singing being distinguished by great tasto,and-charm.