ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 90, 29 March 1911, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

AMY CASTLES’ FAREWELL

CONCERTS.

BRILLIANT SUCCESS EVERY-

WHERE.

The plaudits of the Australian public and still more of the New Zealand musical enthusiasts still run in the ears of those who were fortunate enough to hear Miss Castles in her magnificent performance during the Williamson Grand Opera season in “La Boheme” and “Madame Butterfly.” That Miss Castles in her first serious euort in the role of grand opera achieved a triumph is somewhat mild in term, her success was instantaneous from the outset. Miss Castles since her first visit 8 years ago has held a warm place in the a.iections of New Zealand play-goers, and even the most sanguine of her admirers were completely astonished at the wonderful strides she has made in her musical career. It is on the concert platform, however, that Miss Castles has thus far achieved her greatest success, and it is claimed without exaggeration that the early promise which she gave has been more than fulfilled.

The Melbourne “Age,” commenting on one of her concerts, says:—“Miss Amy Castles appeared before an immense audience at the Town Hall last evening, and without doubt she has a voice the like of which may not be neard in this country at all events for many a decade. The young singer repeated her performance of t Fors-e-lui” (from Traviata). It is unnecessary to recount all the good things that she achieved —let ’t suffice that they were all there with an extra burnish at the finish. The item fairly captivated her admirers who insisted on an encore, a pleas ant sentimental ballad. “Dell ’Acqua’s Villanelle” is the type of Aria (by a woman too) we would like more of in place of some which can well be spared. She showed her appreciation of this excellent item by singing it magnificently The usual penalty was again exacted, taking the shape of the popular “Saper Vor Esste.” Miss Castles’ other items were two briliant Preludes entitled “Sealed Orders” and “The Perfect Way.” ITo be perfect in this every word, in fact every fyliable, should be as clearly audible to the small boy at the back as to the occupant of th* front seats ; this Miss Castles easily achieved, her words were pronouned with every syllable quite distinct. A tempest of applause followed, and the brilliant artist bowed her acknowledgements not once but many The plans are still in constant re - quest at Mr. Hall’s, and despit' the fact that the already extensive reserve for country patrons has! been well in demand, letters applying for seats continue to arrive daily. The concert at the Princess Theatre to-morrow night should be amongst the most brilliant ever offered to Hastings audiences. Box plans still open at Mr. Hall’s and day sales at Mr. Cohen’s, where 3 -. tickets are available.