THE BOSTON CONCERT COMPANY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7371, 24 January 1902, Page 2

THE BOSTON CONCERT COMPANY.

A good audience — exceptionally good, considering the weather — listened with interest and enjoyment to the first concert given in Hawera by the Boston Concert Company. The programme was of a high-class character, and the impression created by the Company was decidedly favourable. Bernbard Walther, the Belgian violinist, is a true artist, and, to use a somewhat worn figure of speech, " makes his instrument speak." In the "Romance et Rondo Elegant," beautiful florid music by Wieniawski, he fairly won his way to the hearts of hiß audience, and in response to an encore played the melodious "Last Rose of Summer" with great depth of .feeling. In the " Romanza " solo by Sivrasate he gave remarkable exhibition of what melodies may be ! produced from the violin by the skilled artist. As an encore piece he played ''Robin Adair," following that well-known air with a clever imitation of bagpipe music. In his other solos he was equally good. His fingering was remarkably accurate in the staccato passages, and his notes throughout were clear and full. Miss Walther is a powerful mezzo-soprano, who sings with fine expression and clear

enunciation. In her several numbers last evening she was highly successful, her best items being the cavatina from 1 the opera of " Robert le Diable " — 1 " Robert toi que J'airne," " When the ! Heart is Young," and (> Comin' through the Rye." The first was sung very artistically, whilst the last was charmingly interpreted. Miss Walther secured recalls for ail her items. As a character delineator and reciter, Mr Cyrus Brownlee Newton would be hard to surpass, especially when depicting characteristic Americans. His first recitation, " Victor Galbraith," was a good test of his elocutionary powers, while his recital of the tragic verses "The Death Bridge of the Tay " was marked by dramatic force. In the American sketches, " The School " and " Aunt j Stutisnaker," he caused great merri- i ment ; as a matter of fact, the audience could hardly get enough of him. Miss Beatrice Vartba is a capable pianist, and her two solos last evening were much appreciated. She has a tine touch, and interpreted some difficult music in a manner that left nothing to be desired. As an accompanist, she also showed great taste. The concert was a musical success. TO-NIGHT, the second and final concert will be given, when we expect to see a good house. The Company will give a concert at Kaponga to-morrow evening, ten of the leading citizens having guaranteed the Company the necessary amount to secure their services. Mr Cyrus Brownlee Newton will, by special request, again give "Aunt Stutisnaker."