NATIVES' ASSOCIATION BAND.

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 122, 24 May 1920, Page 9

NATIVES' ASSOCIATION BAND.

. A large and enthusiastic audience attended at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, when the New' Zealand Natives' Association Band rendered a programme of exceptionally well-chosen selections. All were splendidly played, and received <vi intelligent interpretation by Lieut. T. Herd, the conductor. The fantasia- "II Trovatore" (Verdi) with its ever-chang-ing melodies, and its quaint structoe, was an outstanding feature in tonal blend. _ The anvil, effect in the "anvil chorus secured the correct atmosphere. The overture "Morning, Noon, and Night" (Suppe) was also very effective, the instrumentation at times being brilliant. Quite different in theme was the weird, yet charming, intermezzo "Aisha" (Lindsay), which was .rendered with just the exact Oriental effect. The Indian "tom-toms" and triangles were well manipulated and materially helped in securing the mysteriously bizarre Eastern hint. This selection could well bear repetition at any future concert. The ''Zampa" of Herold was played with nice balance, and in good tune. The- brilliant march "Prince of Smiles," composed by Marie Lcraka hi honour of the Prince, of Wales,' was a very attractive number, and contained some very effective syncopated parts. It. received well-merited applause. Miss Mabel EsquiJant was unable to appear through illness. Mr. Reg. Blow, L.R.A.M., possessor of a good baritone voice, was in excellent form, 1 and gave- of his best in Homar's "Requiem," Halm's "Invictus," and Croke's "Waiting," and was recalled for each song. The whole programme was most enjoyable in its judicious selection, and its nrusicianly and intelligent rendering, and the ne>:t recital is being eagerly anticipated.