Concert and Art Union.

Hastings Standard, Issue 153, 23 October 1896, Page 2

Concert and Art Union.

A concert in connection with the Hastings Brass Band Avt Union took place last night in the Princess Theatre. There was a very large attendance, the hall being filled. In the early part of the evening the pit audience seemed to have a desire to run the show themselves, but the appearance of a man in blue acted like magic, and there was no further interruptions. The programme opened with an overture " Gems of Columbia '' by the band, under the leadership of Mr L. Fowler. A brass band is always at a disadvantage performing under cover, but taken as a whole they acquitted themselves well. Mr A. L. Byan followed with " The Scout," and although he was inclined to take liberties witli the music at times and run-away from the piano, he received an encore, repeating the last verse. Mr J. Holvroyd gave an inferior rendering of " The King's Own," but as the pit was intent on getting its shillings worth an encore brought out " Home Boys, Home," in which Mr ITolroyd was assisted in the chorus by a large number of voices more or less trained. An acceptable item was the cornet solo of Mr L. Fowler, '• Scenes that are brightest," with piano accompaniment by Miss Stevens. Mr B. -Toll received an imperious recall for a banjo song, " Sligo," and the encore item, "Never More," judging by the spontaneity of the approbation expressed, found the level of at least a portion of tlic audience. Miss Smith infused the necessary pathos into that beautiful ballad '• Mary of Argyle," and when she has her voice under proper control she should give a good account of herself as a vocalist. Mr Goldsmith was very successful in his effort " The British Lion." which was one of the best items on the programme. An instrumental quartette, '• Sunshine and Shower," followed, in which Mrs Faulknor (piano), and Messrs King (violin), Barrett (flute), and Fowler (cornet) took part. A recitation by Mr J. Ilolroyd was the next item. The Standard has not been in Hastings very long, but it lias heard the same gentleman with the same recitation at least once a month. Next, winter Mr Holroyd might learn something new in which elocution is not needed and in which 1 lis hands will not get in the road. The obituary notice of " The Woman of Mind" "would be welcome intelligence to a great number. Mrs Price's rendering of "It Was a Dream" was exceedingly good, and would have been even more effective had it not been for huskiness in the upper register, which was probably due to a cold. Mr Kirkpetrick s " Ballyhoolev " found immense favor with the audience, and to an imperative redemand lie sang •• McCarthy's Widow," which concluded the programme. The art-union was then drawn under the supervision of Mr 11. 11. Hunt, and the winners were notified that the prizes would be handed ovor on receipt of a note from Mr Fowler.