INVITATION CONCERT.

Evening Star, Issue 10339, 12 June 1897, Page 1

INVITATION CONCERT.

Mrs John Stone, Jan., who as Mis* LL, Matheson was a abort while ago favorably known to the Dunedin pnblio, gave a most enjoyable invitation muaioal evening in St. Matthew*! Schoolroom last evening, when there waa a representative gathering of ladieiand gentlemen present. The chief contributor of the areninf was, of course, Mr* Stone, who played and sang several selections, and the manner in which these were given clearly showed that her powers of vocalisation or her arthtio pianoforte touch had not deteriorated. Mrs Stone sang two solos. The. first was 'My fairest child,' composed by Alfred Hill, of WellingtonVand the second .was CorderV 'Love journey.' In the former Mrs Stone was assisted by a piano, organ, and violin aoeontpaniment. Both numbers were given with artistio taste and expression, and ware very much enjoyed, especially the former, which was so heartily applauded that the singer had to return to the stage and bow her acknowledgements. It was in her piano playing, however, that Mrs Stone soared her chief successes. Her first instrumental item was Lust's' Concerto in E flat,' to which Mr Barth played an accompaniment. The different movements were ably executed, the number being a very enjoyable one indeed. Mr A. J. Barth's composition 'A gentle breeze' and Mr Maughan Barnett's (of Wellington) * Humoresqne' were new to most of the audience, but from the manner in which they were received it was evident that a favorable impression waa created. The music in each composition is very attractive and pretty, and they had a good exponent in Mrs Stone, who gave a very intelligent rendering of them. Mrs Stone also played Greig's 'Concerto in A minor,' with organ (Mr Barth) and piano (Mr Victor Booth) accompaniment. This was perhaps the most successful item of the evening. The selection is a long one, but the mu-ic is very varied, and was played with such expression and artistic grace that the audience were kept closely attentive throughout, and on its completion very heartily applauded the player. In company with Mr Barth Mrs Stone played Moskowakis piano duet ' Cortege' very pleasingly, and as a concluding item Mrs Stone was associated with Miss Ethel Wadie and Messrs Barth and Booth :n playing Liszt's favorite ' Rhapsodie,' arranged as a duo for two pianos. The piece was well played, and was very much enjoyed. Miss Matheson sang very acceptably ' k'ou ask me why I love' (Kellie) and' A summer night' (Goring Thomas). Mr H. B. Melitus scored distinct successes in his violin solos Ha user's' Hungarian Rhapsodie' and a ' Romance' by Heitech, and to each had to return to the stage and bow his acknowledgments to a recall. The accompaniments were tastefully played by Mrs Melitus and Mr A. J. Barth.