MILITARY CONCERT.

Evening Star, Issue 10243, 19 February 1897, Page 2

MILITARY CONCERT.

Considering the excellent services the Garrison Band have rendefed to the public for a number of years, it was reasonably to bo expected that they would haVe had a full house on the occasion of their concert in the Garrison Hall last night. But, for some reason.or other, this w«s not. the case, and, while the body of the hall was well filled, the gallery and chairs were very sparsely occupied. " The Garrison Band Were assisted by the Naval, Kaikorai, and Engineers' Bands, and at half-past seven the combined bands assembled in the Octagon and marched to the hall playing Bulch's • Moa March.' It was only natural at a military concert that band music should be in evidence, and it was agreeably so last night. The Engineers' Band, under Bandmaster Jackson, played Balfe's 'Bohemian Girl' selection in a satisfactory manner. The Nuvah Buid, under Conductor James Coombs, contributed the ' Schubert ''seleotion arranged by Wright and Round in a clever and finished manner. The number was very enjoyable, and evoked hearty applause. Donizett 's ' Lucrezia Borgia' was the selection chosen by the Kaikorai Band, and the manner in which it was contributed was a credit to the band themselves and their conductor, Bandmaster Stratton. A splendid balance of instruments was maintained throughout, showing careful practice and efficient instruction. The Garrison Band's selection, •Red, white, and blue' (Hare), was by no means the least enjoyable item of the evening. As the title implies, the piece is composed of various patriotic airs, and, considering the number of marines and volunteers that were present, was most appropriate. The combination of reed and brass instruments was very pleasing, an enjoyable effect being produced. Instrumental selections were contributed by Bandmaster S. George and Bandmaster Thomson, of HJd.B. Wallaroo. The former played as a clarionet solo Clarke's arrangement of 'Cotnin' thro' the rye,' and ably sustained the reputation he has acquired as an artist. The item was very well played, and in response to an imperative encore had to be repeated. Bandmaster Thomson gave a very enjoyable cornet solo, ' Queen of the | earth,' and being loudly recalled, repeated a portion of the number. The vocalists were Miss Mongredien, Mr Harry Smith, and Seaman Brandon. Miss Mongredien's beautifully sympathetic voice was heard to good advantage in ' Douglas Gordon' (Kellie), but her second number, ' I was dreaming' (Juncker), was decidedly the more enjoy--1 able, having greater scope for artistic display. B)th items were sung with Miss Mongredien's usual efficiency, and were | loudly applauded. Mr Harry Smith and Miss Mongredien sang the duet' A night in Venice' (Luoentoni), and acquitted themselves very creditably. Mr Smith sang"as a bolo one of his old favorites, «The Bugler,' (Pinsuti), and, needless to say, the rendering was finished and accomplished. Seaman Brandon, of H.M.S. Wallaroo, aleo contributed a solo, which was loudly applauded. Miss V&rtha was the aooompantit, and her efficient playing contributed in no small degree to the general pleasure that was derived from the different- items. The concert was brought to a conclusion with the National Anthem, played by the Industrial School Band.