A FAREWELL CONCERT.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1097, 8 April 1911, Page 3

A FAREWELL CONCERT.

* TRIBUTE TO MR, ERNEST ' PARKES.Wellington is about to lose Mr. Ern-. est Pa rites, for some years now recognised and appreciated as one of tlio lincst baritone vowJJ.sts whom . Xew V Zealand has produced. Of late -years Mr. Parkos has made 1 notable progress in tho finer points of vocalism, and still; has much to learn. But as far as quality is concerned 110 is wonderfullygifted, and when, under proper tuition, he learns how to utilise his quality oven more artistically than ho does at pre-' sent, lie should take high rank among male vocalists. There is hard work, ahead of him, constant study, combined' with care ami steady, well-directed practice; but if he sets himself a high ideal, and has the ambition essential to work up to it, he should go far. Last evening saw tho Town Hall well filled' with an enthusiastic 'audience, who gave the young singer a reception tor be proud of. sang the familiar Prologue to ''I Pagliacci" (Leoncavallo with force and dramatic conviction. Tho number served to display, the fino ringing quality of his-big voice,- and, vocally, the interpretation was distinctly good. What he requires to study is the art of throwing a warmer colour into his work. He Ecorcd, too. in the Toreador's Song from "Carmen, which is excellently suited to his' robust stvjc. His cncores were Zardo's "To-night," Clarke's "Sincerity," in which Mr. Parkos faulted at 0110 point through nervousness., and'"l Would-Not Grieve" (Schumann)'. The programme was wonderfully bright throughout. A-fifty-voice chorus, hastily got together, sang several choruses splendidly. These were the gay barcarolle "For tho Merriest Fellows Arc AVe," from "Tho Gondoliers," with Mr. R. T. Robertson; as tho soloist; "The Angelus," from' ''Maritana"; and, finally, the Students'Parting Song, with the members of, the chorus clustered round the student —Mr. Parkos. Mr. J. F. Carr sang with taste ."Believe, me if all thoso Endearing.,. Young Charms," and "God Speed You." Miss Gladys Watkins ox-1 hibited a delicate, well-trained voice in a florid aria from "Ernanii" Miss May Newman, whoso soprano voice is remarkably fresh and clear, sang Malliuson's fine song "Elcanora," and when encored "To an Isle in the Water" by tho same talented composer. Tho instrumental trios —Modc-rato and. Lar- . ghetto movements by Garde—-were delightfully played by Sriss Beatrice Richmond (piano), Miss May Donaldson (violin), and Mr. Frank. Johnstone ('cijllo). They earned a deserved encore. Mr. Borneo Gardiner whistled his way with tuneful artistry through "II flacio" (Arditi) and "The Mocking . Bird." His powers as a siffleur ara oyer 011 tho improve.1 ".Mrs. cited "An Elevator Adventure" attractively; Mr. E, J. Hill sang "Tako a Pair of Sparkling Eyes" with bis customary gusto, and the "Poi Waiata" of his brother's composing, and Mr. R. T. Robertson completely captivated the, audience with his • double-voiced vocal sketches. Tho accompaniments were played by Mrs. Montague and iJIr. D. A. Kenny, the latter acting as conduotor and musical director.of tho concert. Much of the succcss of the concert is due to the work of Mr. J. Dykes as secretary. Tho direction of tho stage was attended to by Mr. A. W. Newton, who also appeared as all entertainer (with Messrs" R. T. Robertson, George Parsons, and D. A. Kenny) in two humorous quartets. At tho termination of tho interval the Mayor (Mr. T. M. Wilford) appeared 011 tho platform with Mr. Parkos and his friends, and voiced the regret that all present folt at parting with Mr. Parkos. He remarked on tho great improvement Mr. Parkos bad made under the tuition of Mr. Spencer Lorraine. with whom bo was to continue his studies in Auckland. If the good wishes of tlnre around him were of avail. Mr. Parkos was already a wellestablished favourite, and doubtless, after study with Mr. Lorraine and in England, where lie eventually honed to izo, the next, occasion thov would hear,' him would lie at p, reception accorded to a distinguished singer. On behalf of t-h« citizens he had great) pleasure in handing Mr. Parkos a suh- r st.ant.ial cheque, with all good wishes for his future welfare.