THE ERNEST TOY CONCERT PARTY.

Evening Star, Issue 10900, 7 April 1899, Page 2

THE ERNEST TOY CONCERT PARTY.

That Mr BrtfSstl Toy and kU concert company have made a favorable impression on Dunedin audiences during their short stay here was fully evidenced last evening, when, notwithstanding the unpropitioits state of the Weather, a large number of yeople attended the Agricultural Hall to, hear the fifth of this company's series of concerts. From start to finish the entertain; ment was an unqualified success, and the Audience left no doubt in the minds of their -entertainers as to their .thorough appreciation of and satisfaction with the,manner in which the various items were rendered. In fact, thev became quite enthusiastic at tiines, and would not permit their desire for repetitions to pass unheeded, the result being that the programme was much extended beyond its original length. Mr Toycame in for a full share of the very liberal applause that,was bestowed. He worthily upheld, the reputation he has earned as a violinist. iHis solos included *he allegro movement front Mendelssohn's Concerto in E minor, a fantasia on airs from 'H Trovatore,' and 'Steyrische Weisen' (Eller), all of which were masterly interpretations, and so enraptured were those present with Mr Toy's skilful playing that double encores were accorded him at the conclusion of each piece. Miss Benee Lees's abilities as & pianist were fully appreciated, and her playing attracted no end of attention. In Chopin's Ballade in A flat, ' Valse Caprice' (Raff), a morceau by Oreig, and a prelude ly Chopin (the last-named two being encore numbers), she was seen at her best, her capabilities for one so young fairly astonishing her auditors. Of the vocal items, Miss Alice Simmons's pure, sweet, and perfect soprano voice rantr put with splendid effect in ' Dear bird of winter,' in which" her undoubted trilling powers were heard to the best possible advantage. As an encore Miss Simmons sang 'Comin' through the rye' very creditably, and sater on her singing of ' The swallows' and :' The carnival' (which, she gave in response to the demands of the audience) was a perfect treat to listen to. Miss Maud Dalrymple was also in good voice, and showed carejul training. Her contributions were 'Life's lullaby,' 'Crossing the bar' (Bebrend), and 'Out on the rocks' (Sainton Dolby), and as encores she gave 'May or may not' and repeated a verse cf Bebrend's and Sainton Dolby's songs. Mr James M'Donald sang 'Maid of Malabar,' Aei,' und 'Asthore' in good style. Mr Timson and Miss Lees played the accompaniments to the satisfaction of all concerned.

At to-night's concert Mr Toy will play Beethoven's ' Sonata No. 7,' ' Scene de ballet' (De Beriot), 'Romance-' (Svensden), and ' Faust' (Gounod-Sarasate); Miss Lees will play a stndv by Paginim-Liszt and Mendelssohn's 'Wedding March.' Mr Marcus, who will make his first appearance, will sing, with Misses Simmons and Dalrymple, Leslie's trio ' O memory.'