HASTINGS COMMUNITY CLUB.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 205, 13 August 1927, Page 6

HASTINGS COMMUNITY CLUB.

MUSICAL RECITAL. Quite a large number of ladies and a sprinkling of gentleman were oresent last evening in the Hastings Community Club rooms, on the occasion of an “open” night, which took the form of a musical recital edven by the musical circle, at which Mrs Fobertson and Miss Fitz Rov acted as hostesses. The programme, contributed to bv Miss Bettv Lewis. Miss Prue Lewis. Mr Percy Tombs, and Master Harrv Etheridge, was delightful in its appeal, and a discerning audience emphatically expressed their entire approval of the -numbers and of their interpretation by the artists. Miss Betty Lewis, who has lust Concluded a course of study in vocal music at Sydney under a distinguished teacher, has made wonderful strides in the art since she left here somewhat over a year ago. She has acquired a poise and a distinct confidence. unspoilt by the slightest assertiveness. whilst she identified herself intimatelv with her numbers, which she expressed with sympathy, power and restraint that sent the full measure of her interpretations home She has a beautiful contralto quality in her voice, full of melodv and potentiality which she would -lo well to conserve rather than to seek expression in the high notes. Miss Lewis has proved herself steadfast of purpose, with a capacity for hard work and a fine courage that must overcome obstacles and surmount the many discouragements a voung singer meets at the outset of her career.

Including recalls. Miss Lewis sang “One Fleeting Hour” (Dorothv Lee) and “By the Waters of Minnetonka” (Thurlow Lieurance), both with violin obligato by Miss Prue Lewis: “Tosca's Prayer” (Puccini). “The Soldier’s Wife” (Rachmaninoff). “Nightfall at Sea” and “If We Sailed Away” (Montague Phillips). Mr Percy Tombs, whose reputation as a finished musician is known throughout New Zealand, plaved three pianoforte solos. “Norwegian Wedding March” (Grieg), “To Spring” (Grieg) and “Popillons” with much brilliance, and a pupil of his, Master Harry Etheridge who possesses a voice of considerable sweetness and clarity, sang “May Dew” and Dawn Gentle Flower” (Sterndale Benmett) with admirable effect, his effort showing distinct promise. Miss Prue Lewis demonstrated considerable progress in her violin studies. She played Grieg’s Sonata (first movement). “Midnight Bells” (Kreisler), and Minuet (Vieuxtemps), in each of which she displayed a confidence and comprehension which augured well for her future. Her accompaniment to her sister’s songs were also svmpatheticailv played.

Mr Tombs played all the piano accompaniments with a sensibility that went far towards the success of the evening.

In the course of the concert the guests were entertained with light refreshments bv the club, and at the conclusion Mrs E. C. Clarkson, of Havelock North, returned thanks for those present for the charming entertainment provided by the members of the club