ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 80, 6 April 1910, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MISS RICHMOND'S RECITAL. Miss Beatrice Richmond gave a pianoforte recital at the concert chamber of the Town Hall last evening. The audience was large, and had evidently set itself out to enjoy an admirably compiled programme. It was to be gathered from the warmth of the applause that the audience was not disappointed. The bill of fare opened with Beethoven's Concerto for piano and orchestra, included solos for violin and violoncello, solos by Miss Richmond (of course), and concluded with a , Tchaikowsky trio for pianoforte, violin, and 'cello. Miss Richmond was first Jieard in the concerto aforementioned — E-flat major. There was no orchestra, but instead a piano, the player of which was Miss Constance Leatham. Here, as afterwards, Miss Richmond proved herself to be a correct, self-possessed, and neat executant. Her technique was admirable, and the number was well received, both performers being twice recalled. Miss Leatham — quite a young player — was a valuable associate in the piece, although her piano was not so fine an instrument, — not so "singing" in tone — as that of the soloist. In half a dozen Schumann Morceaux, bracketed, Miss Richmond played with skill. Daintiness was chief among the other qualities distinguishing her playing of items so different in character, as Paganini Caprice (No. 2) and the "Elf-e" and "Albumblatt" (op. 99), and the "Phantassietanz. " Again in the beautiful arietta (Leo) and two preludes of Heller Miss Richmond demonshated her ability to do things with ease and brilliancy that many of the not superlatively great pianists might be forgiven for envying ; and yet it cannbt be said that she was a powerful player, or even a magnetic one. Pleasing she certainly was— always that. She also played Chopin's Waltz in A-flat and the Prelude 17. Miss May Donaldson played Tartini's violin polo, "L'Art de l'Archet.'' She did not start well, but as she warmed to her work she gave a performance which was most enthusiastically applauded, and which evidently gave much pleasure, she being twice recalled. Mr. F. R. Johnstone, the 'cellist of the evening, was responsible fora Sarabaude and Gavotte (Klengel), both items being conscientiously played and well received. It was in the Tchaikowsky trio (in A-minor), notably in the second movement, that soloists were heard at their very best, if the strength of the> applause be taken as an indication. The performance of the portion of the work selected was certainly the gem of the evening, and it gave Miss Donaldson an opportunity to demonstrate her knowledge of "the art of the bow" in a way that "L'art de l'Archet" did not. The no-encore rule was rigidly adhered to, but it did not damp the pleasure of the audience (who had no cause to complain of not having had enough for their money), and the concert, delightful as it was, finished at a reasonably early hour. OPERA HOUSE. Last night saw another large attendance at the Opera House to witness the production of J. M. Barries exquisite iairy play, Peter Pan. Its appeal is founded upon permanent elements in human nature,' and those who have the capacity of a generous enjoy it most. "Peter"' will appear for the last time on Saturday evening, when Lord Plunket and Sir Joseph and Lady Ward will be present. This afternoon a matinee performance is being presented, and, through the kindness of the management a large number of the inmates of benevolent institutions are present. "Peter" will address a few words of greeting to his guests from his house in the tree : tops. THEATRE ROYAL. A well-balanced programme is being presented by Messrs. John Fuller and Sons at the Theatre Royal this week. The Brothers dotton give a splendid acrobatic turn, which in many respects is quite original. Parker continues to make play with handcuffs, and Charles Fanning does much to keep the audience in the best of good spirits. Last night's programme will be repeated this evening. THE KING'S THEATRE. The programme which has been presented for the past week was repeated last evening. The attendance was a large one, and the most of the items were much appreciated, judging by the hearty applause. There will be a complete change of programme to-night. A special feature is entitled "Scenes in Melbourne." Mr. West holds the Australian rights of these pictures. The new 1 . Pathe series includes "In Pursuit of Flying Dogs" (sporting), "The Egyptian Maid" (dramatic), and "Beneath the Gas" (comic). Amongst other noteworthy pictures are "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Winter Sports in Norway. " HIS MAJESTY'S. " At His Majesty's Theatre the N«w Zealand Veterans' Association attended in some numbers at the invitation of the management. The chief attraction was the now well known and" much admired picture of the Crimean veterans. To-night's change of programme includes a fine Ktudy of American wild countoy life, entitled "The Western Maid." A circus series entitled "The Call" is said to be particularly good. Another striking feature will be "The Opening of the Imperial Parliament," and in addition the usual pleasing variety of comic pictures will be presented. STAR PICTURES. Excellent business is still being done by the Star Picture Syndicate at St. Thomas's Hall, Newtown, where a com' r prehensive picture programme was presented last evening. Patrons are asked to note that the Star Pictures will not be shown this evening, but wiij be exhibited to-morrow and every evening as usual. WORSER BAY SCHOOL CONCERT. A successful repetition of the annual school concert was given on Monday evening at the Kiosk, Worser Bay. The patrons who were unable to attend the first concert on Thursday last owing to the inclement weathe.' attended in large numbers; and, judging by the applause given to every item, were amply rewarded for their visit. The carefully-trained items, splendidly rendered by the scholars, Teflect credit on the members of the teaching staff, who, on behalf of tha committee, were thanked by the chairman (Mr. Robert Hall). EMPIRE PICTURES. Patrons of the passing picture will have an opportunity of seeing a fine programme of cinematographs at the Town Hall to*ifhi. Chief among the films is one fdßZng in pictures the story of Napoleon's life, with scenes from the striking incidents of his career. The Empire Pictures afford other fine specimens of the art calculated to entertain the public. LIEDERTAFEL CONCERT. The Wellington Liedertafel concert will be held in th« Concert Chamber of the Town Hall to-morrow evening. The

programme is advertised, and should please all music lovers. "FOR THE TERM OF HIS NATURAL LIFE." This Living Picture Drama, which the management states cost £1000 in the taking, is said to eoual anything of the kind yet presented to AustraHan audiences, and its production was very successful in the Australian States. The main incidents of the story are said to be reproduced by the biograph with startling exactness, especially "The Murder on Hampstead Heath."' "The Mutiny of the Malabar," "The Burning of The Hydaspes," "The Flogging of Dawes," and "The Foundering of the Lady Franklyn." The story, during its pictorial progress, will be narrated by Mr. Alfred Bcothman. The season of six nights commences at the Opera House on Monday evening next. A smoke concert will be heid in St. Peter's Club rooms to-morrow evening.