TE RANGI PAI

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1747, 12 May 1906, Page 2

TE RANGI PAI

GEAND FAREWELL CONCERT.

There was a crowded attendance at the farewell concert tendered to Te Rangi Pai at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, and the reception accorded the famous contralto was even more enthusiastic than on the occasion of the first concert. It was generally conceded that Te Rangi Pai was herself in much better form, and that the audience recognised this was evidenced by the storm of applause that greeted her on each appearance, several encores beiDg demanded to some of her numbers. Mrs Howie displayed excellent judgment in the selection of her songs, only popular numbers being given. These included “ The Beating of Mine Own Heart,” “ Tho Lost Chord,” Tosti’s “Good-bye,” “Ben Bolt,” and several Irish melodies, all of which were vociferously encored One of the most successful of the encore numbers was “My Old Kentucky Home,” which was given with excellent effect. The selection from

“Mikado” by Te Rangi Pai and Mr A. F. Kennedy was without doubt one of tho gems of the evening, and thoroughly deserved the double encore which was given. Seldom has Mr Kennedy been seen to greater advantage than ho was last evening in the duet “ Tit Willow,” whilst Mrs Howie sang with charming effect “ There is Beauty in the Bellow of the Blast.” Both wore well up to the demands of the opera, and the item will long be remembered by those present. The quartettes by Dr. and Mrs Buckeridge and Mr and Mrs A. F. Kennedy, which included “Tho Merry Miller” (from “Rob Roy”) and “'] ho Tinkers”

(from “Robin Hood”), formed another pleasing feature of tlio programme, an enthusiastic encore being demanded. Mr .Kennedy recited with great success “ Dutch Philosophy,” and a 3 an encore piece ‘‘Betsy,” Mr F. Teat, who was in excellent voice, gave a splendid rendering of “ True as a Compass,” whilst Dr. Buckeridge met with a hearty reception in “Gipsy John.” The Club orchestra contributed a number of choice selections, whilst the instrumental duet (violin and flute) by Messrs Massey and Foster was an item calling for special mention. The accompaniments throughout the evening were played by Mesdamcs Hooper and Buckeridge in a most artistic manner. The concert throughout was a complete success, and was a fitting farewell to Gisborne’s famous artist.

Te Bang! Pai leaves for Auckland by the Manuka to day, and will carry with her the hearty good wishes of a wide circle of friends.