CONCERT TO MRS RONAYNE,

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 5420, 13 February 1886, Page 2

CONCERT TO MRS RONAYNE,

The complimentary concert tendered to Mrs Ronayne last evening by the amateurs of Greymouth, was one of which all might be proud of, both those who gave.it, and the lady in whose honor it was given. The hall was crowded, principally by the fair sex, and although with so many people present it was disagreeably hot, still the audience enjoyed the musical treat placed before them in the highest degree. The first part in the programme was the overture of "Couronne dor," played by the band, which consisted of four first violins, four second violins, flute, clarionet, two cornets, piano, and double Jjfasjs. This was the first appearance of th'e^Grey mouth String Band, which is tutored by Mr A. Miller, who was leader, and we certainly hope it will not be the last by many times, as it fairly took the audience by surprise by their excellence in rendering the piece selected. The glee of "Gipsy Life" went crisp and fresh, and " The Raft," by Mr Janies, was well sung. Mrs' Ring sang " Killarney" sweetly, 1 instead of "the Bridge," as announced ; which which was followed by the solo and chorus from the " Lay of the Bell," " Firmly by the earth," the bass part being taken by Mr Y. R. Moss. A violin solo by Miss Guinness, "The harp that once," was so well rendered that an encore was demanded, and in response the young lady gave a selection of Scotch airs on the pianoforte. Miss L. Smith sang Adam's song, "Awake," with great taste and feeling, but with some diffidence, as might be expected from so young a lady. The quartette . Jj£ Departure." by Mrs Clements, Miss Nf Brown, Mr Bish and Mr Barnicoat went fairly well, one of the male voices evidently suffering from a cold. Mis Fricker's solo on the pianoforte was nicely given ; and the old glee, "Awake iEolian Lyre," capitally rendered, brought the first part of the programme to a close. The second part commenced with a grand selection, arranged by Mr Miller, from the opera of "Lucrezia Borgia," by the String Brand, which was given in a moat spirited manner. The chorus of "Thousands when in union joined," followed, and then one of the gems of the evening, "O Mio Fernando," by Mrs Clements. The duet for flute and pianoforte, by Miss Harrison and Mr Wobn, was an excellent piece of inatrumentation, showing both correct taste and feeling in the interpretation .of the author's ideas. "Lo, hear the gentle lark," was given by Mrs Ronayne withgreat expression, and an encore wa3 demanded, to which she kindly acceeded by singing from 'Wallace's " Maritana " that exquisite and appropriate little gem, " bcenes that are brightest. '\ That good old trio, "The Friar of orders Grey," was given with a heartiness that was quite inspiriting by Miss Brown, Mrs Lawn, and Mr V. R. Moss. Mr H. Miller's violin solo "II Ricprdo," well deserved the .encore which it received. " When winds breathe soft" went capitally, the light and shade being carefully observed. " God Save the Queen," solo an ! chorus, assisted by the String Band, and which was joined in by the whole audience standing, brought one of the most successful concerts ever held in Greymouth to a close at 11 p.m. Mr Woon acted as conductor, Mrs Warner, Miss Fricker, and Miss Harrison as accompanists, and Mr A. H. Millar as leader of the orchestra. During the second part of the programme, Mr Woon took occasion to pay a high compliment to Mrs and Mr Ronayne, and to express the regret felt by himself and others at their approaching departure. Mr Ronayne replied in suitable terms, and thanked the amateurs and the audience for the high compliment paid to Mrs Ronayne by their presence that evening.