ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 237, 30 June 1908, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

- ■ ——. THE KUBELISC CONCERTS. SECOND RECITAL. The audience which assembled to hear the second recital of the Kubclilc concert season in the Town Hall last evening was appreciably larger than that whicli greeted tho groat violinist on his first appearance on Saturday ovening, and, if anything, a little moro enthusiastic in its demonstrations of appreciation. Wellington concert-goers have been characterised, by some, ss being unemotional ; by others, coldly critical; and by- tho uncharitablo as stupidly unappreciative. No ono mil deny that they are, norma I ,ly speaking unemotional, but that they aro unappreciative to the point of stupidity cannot bo entertained for a moment. Tho simplo fact is that they_ profer to form their own ostimato of performers to the somewhat highlycoloured panegyrics of enterprising entrepreneurs; they are by lio means grudging in their praise of true artistic merit, and to Jan Kubolik and his marvellous art they .gave unstinted praise last evening. j It was truly' a magnificent performanco. For his opening number, tho violinist selected Wieniawslii's " Concerto in D Minor," a composition less massive in construction than the Mendelssohn; concerto which ho playod on Saturday evening, but nevertheless possessing striking characteristics in form and treatment. The first movement of the concerto, tho " Allegro.Moderator" sparkles with gaioty, and in his interpretation the artist showed that he had, with the intuition of genius, caught tho true spirit of the composer's inspiration. Tho "Allegro" gavo place to a tender " Romance," and the audience listened with rapt attention as the full rich tones of tho instrument filled tho air. Then camo the finale (a la Zingara), an impetuous movement, played with a tempestuous abandon, which furnished a dramatic climax to the concerto. Hero tho superb bowing and fingering of tho violinist was displayed to tho fullest advantage. A burst of applause followed, and after persistent recalls, Kubelik treated the audienco to Schubcrt's beautiful " Ave Maria," in tho treatment of which ho introduced tho most exquisite harmonics.

His second contribution to the programme consisted of three fine numbers, in which every phase of human emotion might bo said to have beon represented. .Boethoven's lovely "Romance in G Major," calm, reposeful, almost sacred in character, came first, and in point of simple beauty took prido . of place on the • programme. • Under the violinist's mastor hand, the instrument became almost humanly expressive. Then carae Saint-Saens's " Hamnaise," a composition of more ■ animated characteristics, played with a joyous abandon. This was followed by Hubay's astonishingly difficult "Scent de.la Csarda," full of colour, incident, fickle to a degree, and representing throughout a bewildering variety of ideas. In character it suggested to somo extent Paganini's " Witches Dance," demanding, on tho part of :the executant, the exorciso of his utmost powers; and tho violinist fairly revelled in its fantastic .tumult. Last eanio a " Fantasia" (T. Palpiti), an arrangement of striking and almost unplayable variations of a simple theme, which frequently. recurs throughout the piece, but disguised in varying eccentricities. As an encore number ho played S»int-Saens's charming morceau "Lo Cygrie." The virtuoso' was accorded a tremendous ovation as he made'his final'bow to .the audience.

Miss Erna Mueller improves on further acquaintance, ahtl was heard, to advantage in "Der Spiolmaii " and "Lenz" (Hiklnch), and an attractive melody " Hame," by Walford Davies, which last she sang' charmingly, and as an oncoro favoured tho audience with a graceful interpretation of a dainty littlo ballad by tho young Sydney composer, Gcorgo Boyle. In Schumann's " Aufschwung" ' and "Romance —in F. Major," and Eugen D'Alberts " Gavotte and Musette," Miss Emily Dyason confirmed the favourable impression already formed of her abilities "as a promising pianist. In response to a recall she added one of Chopin's valses. In conclusion, it remains to be said Herr Ludwig .Schwab,' Kubelik's talented accompanist, in his interpretation'of the duties of his position, gave local artists something from which they might very well extract somo lasting benefit. ' /

RICKARDS'S VAUDEVILLE COMPANY. The attendance at the Opera House last night, - when Mr. Harry,. Rickards's talented vaudeville combination repeatel their meritorious new programmo was exceptionally large. Tho gymnastic feats performed, by the Klos Sisters evoked continued applauso. Equally great praise was showered on the Artoia Brothers, who gave a clever performance on the- horizontal-bar: ' Tht> Miles-Stavordalo Quintet (banjos and harps) rendered sovoral numbers in a delightful maimer. Mr. Leonard Kelson, tho comedian, was distinctly good at timos. That Miss Alma' Gray, tho clever youn" Australian artiste, has cstab- | lished herself a great favourite was amply demonstrated. . Both Miss, Lottie. Kay and Mr. Geo. Dean-sang so pleasingly that they had to respond to encores. Tho Collier Sis- [ ters sang and danced well. Theatre-patrons are'reminded .that the season is now drawing to a close. The programme will bo 'repeated this evening THEATRE ROYAL. Desp'ito strong ' counter-attractions, the Theatre Royal was again crowded last night. Tho programme is in many respects the host which has been presented for Eome time— and that is saying a good deal. "Convict 99," an entertaining playlet, was cleverly produced by tho Swifts: Carlton and Sutton kept tho audience thoroughly amused with their witticisms, whilst vccal items rendered by Madame Blancho Carelli, Miss Nelly Power, and, Miss Beatrice Butler were extremely popular. Of tho others, Tod Cal-. loway in particular was very successful. The programme will be repeated this evening. "THE PRINCE CHAP." The box plan for Mr. H. R. Roberts's season in "The Prince Chap," which begins at the Opera House next Saturday evening, will be opened at Holliday's to-morrow morning. Mr. Roberts's return to "Wellington is an event to which local playgoers have for somo time been looking forward to with more than ■usual keenness, for it is argued that as he was a brilliant actor when he last appeared here, nine years, ago, lie must have greatly improved in the course of his splendid experience on the English and American stage. Moreover, "The Prince Chap" is a play which comes here with tho London hall-mark of success, and is said to suit Mr. Roberts's peculiarly charming personality to a nicety. Again, the Company which supports Mr. Roberts was selected from the original London and New York casts of the play, and there aro said to be several strong characterisations, so it should not be by any means a " oho man show." It would be strange if. there was not a. crowded house to welcome Mr. Roberts next Saturday evening, and as ho is only appearing in this city for seven nights, intending patrons are advised to secure their seats early.

OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. Skating enthusiasts still flock to tho Olympia in large numbers, particularly at the evoning sossions. Last night the first match of, tho polo tournament took placo, and resulted in a win for Ponoko (D, Morris's team) 4 goals to Pakehas (E. Bennot's team) 2 goals. Tho gamo was fast and open, and tho winning goals' woro' scored just as timo was up. Tho rink will ho open to-day as usual, and on Thursday a challenge gamo of polo will bo played, when an oxcitmg and keen gamo is expected. CONCERT AT ST. HILDA'S. A concert is to bo given at Island Bay tomorrow evening to raiso funds for tho reduction of tho debt 011 St. Hilda's Churehroom. A nplondid programme has been arranged, including items by Mr. IC. J. Hill, Herr Mas lloppe, Mr. Arthur Bnllance, Mrs. Mueller, and Miss Van Stareron. A free concert by membors of tho crew of H.M.S. Encounter will bo given in the Y.JI.C.A. Rooms 011 Thursday night, under tho auspices of Wellington Distriot Lodge, No. 5, LO.G.T,