MR LEECH'S CONCERT.

Evening Star, Issue 11628, 12 July 1902, Page 6

MR LEECH'S CONCERT.

Tht: cold wea*her considerably interfered with the attei dance at Mr F. Leech's conceit at the Garrison Hall last night, but no doubt in the reckoning up there would be a large return from unused tickets sold through the activity of the Committee, headed by Mr S N. Muir and Mr W. Murphy, and willingly taken by those who in the course of Mr Leech's long residence here have come to regard him as a personal friend, and we hope that I he outeonie will fairly reward the effort put forv.h, and to some extent meet the valid claims of the recipient. Mr Leech is an institution in Dunedin, filling a place which no one else can exactly fit, and his many warm friends trust that he will koep going professionally for many years to come. Musically considered, the concert was decidedly successful. The two overtures, 'Poet and Peasant' and 'Semiramide,' played by a large orchestra that included many performers who were grounded in music by Mr Leech years ago, afforded much enjoyment, and it was pleasnrable to see the veteran himself condxict*ing% After the second of the overtures Mr Leech stayed behind on the platform and addressed his thanks to the performers for their assistance, and to the audience for their attendance, his speech concluding amidst a round of hearty applause intended as a personal compliment to the speaker. Mr "Rarquhar Young sent an apology, and Mr BlenJrinsopp was unfortunately not well enoutrh to come out, but in spite of these disappointments the audience were prov'ded with a lengthy and well-appreciated series of solos. The vacancy caused by Mr Blenkinsopp's absence was filled by Mr Jairo, ■p-ho found a copy of the tenor's song, 'The Death of Nelson,' in a low key, and treated those present to a stirring rendering that was murh enjoyed. This was in addition to M> Jago's own choice, ' When Bright Eyes Glance,' which was one of the features of the concert. Another item that proved most acceptable was Mrs Hudson's so-g, «The Land of Yesterday.' Mrs Hudson is now in better voice than at any period of her career, and she sang the pretty song with unexceptionable taste. Miss Nellie Bl«k'A »»«, ' Ql JDst Xbosa Tears.*

round the young contralto at her very best, md her capable singing was helped materially by the tastefulness of the accompaniment snppied by pianoforte, organ, and 'cello. The other vocalists who appeared—namely, Mrs Jas. Todd, Mrs J. Hillsdon Hutton. Mr Maitland Gard'ner, Mr W. W. Brunsden, and Mr Bryant—were also well •eceived, and deserved the honors freely Tneted cut. The accompaniments during the evei.mg -were plaved bv Mrs Murphy, Miss Elsie Black. Mr W. Taylor, Mr Walsh, and Mr Austing. and Master Black came on with she 'cello for his sister's song. A word, of praise is due to the accompanists generally, and we may be allowed to mertion specially Mr Walsh's playing of the pianoforte part to 'Non ever,' this being exceptionally thoughtful and successful. Agreeable diversity was supplied by a recitation in Mr J. T. Stewart's best *onn, also three instrumental solos, Mr Barrett makitie a hit with his violin piece, Mr Sydney. George earning thanks for his masterly claronet solo, and Mr W. Hunter playng acceptablv on fhe violin Alard's arrangement of 'Traviata* aire. Mr Barth acted as musical director during the evening