HOSPITAL CONCERT.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1535, 18 January 1879, Page 3

HOSPITAL CONCERT.

Tho concert in aid of tho funds for destitute patients leaving tho Hospital, which originated in the thoughtfulness of Mr Chilton, the House Surgeon of tho Institute, was a brilliant success, and has placed a handsome sum of money at tho disposal of tho Board for the laudable object which filled tho Theatre last night to overflowing. The Theatre was generously given free to the committee of organisation by Mr 11. F. Towle ; tho several artistes —professional and amateur —who took part in the concert also did so gratuitously, and tho local papers also contributed their quota by making no charge for advertising, so that unlike the majority of benefits this was a genuine one, and must have been highly gratifying to the committee of management, who have worked strenuously to make the entertainment a success. Tho house was filled (o excess, tho leading citizens of Christchurch with their famlies being prominent in the dross circle, the medical profession being largely represented. An excellent programme had been provided, in which tho Christchurch Glee Club took a prominent place, singing four glees in their usual stylo. Miss Amy Sherwin was set down for two songs. An apology was made for her by Dr. Chilton, and the indulgence of the audience craved on the ground of hoarseness consequent on a severe cold, but tho result was not apparent, as the artiste’s voice was to all aural evidence as pure and limpid as on previous occasions. Her first song, Blumcnthal’s “Message,” was sung with wonderful purity and expression, and was rapturously applauded. Mies Sherwin, however, declined the encore. In the second part she sang “ Auld Robin Gray” with rare sympathetic power and sweetness, and for the encore insisted on substituted a lively lady’s comic song entitled “Is it anybody’s business.” Signora Venosta’s ricli contralto voice was admirably displayed by the choice of the famous brindisi “II Segreto,” from “Lucrezia Borgia,” and her encore song, imperatively insisted on, was the favorite “Hone Yer.” Later in the evening in conjunction with Mr 11. F. Towle, sho sang tho favorite duet “Mai Reggendo,” from “ II Trovatoro,” in a brilliant manner. One of tho most enjoyable features of the concert was the concertina playing of Mies Lavinia Taylor. Her exquisite performance of a fantasia on airs from Schira’s opera “Niccolo do Lapi,” held the audience spell-bound as the delicious strains floated through the house. Tho duct for concertina and pianoforte by Miss Taylor and Mr W. 11. Simms, comprising quaint old Cambrian airs, was in itself a specialty of unusual excellence, and was thoroughly appreciated. Mr Simms in the course of the evening also played a solo on the pianoforte, LitolU’s “Spinlied,” in a crisp and sparkling manner. The gentlemen vocalists were Signor Pietro Luisetti and Mr Reginald Foster. The former gentleman made his dchut in Christchurch with the famous buffo aria “ Largo al Factotum,” from “II Barbiere.” He has alight baritone voice and sings with expression and skill, but he was apparently rather nervous last night, which slightly militated against his success. He notwithstanding obtained the honor of a very hearty encore, and substituted for the Italian air one verse of “ Bread and Cheese and Kisses.” Mr Foster contributed “Tho Yeoman’s Wedding ” in his usual excellent manner, and for an encore “ A Warrior Bold.” In tho last part ho gave “ When the quiet Moon is Beaming.” The excellent orchestra played tho overture to “ La Gazza Ladra ” ; grand selection from “La Melusina,” (Mendelssohn) ; selection, “ Lea Deux Magots ” ; and concluded tho concert with a grand fantasia on Old English airs.