THE SIMONSEN CONCERTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2208, 18 January 1868, Page 2

THE SIMONSEN CONCERTS.

Mons. and Madame Sioionsea took their farewell of Cliristchurch last night, in a programme which comprised some of the choicest pieces they have performed in Cliristchurch. In parting with Mom. and Madame Simonsen, whioh we do with unfeigned regret, we cannot refrain from expressing the disappointment we have felt that, night after night, performances of such a high class were attended by such meagre audiences. On no occasion, since the concerts commenced, have the Cliristchurch people done justice to the high name which the province had acquired for its appreciation of talent; not once have they mustered in a way which Mons. and Madame Simonsen had been led to expect. We repeat that we are sorry for this. It does the proi vlnce harm in miuiy ways, though that harm may not be very apparent. It prevents other artistes of position coming among us, and, if persisted in, will leave us to the mediocrity of local talent, than which nothing could he more lamentable. We do not intend to notice, at length the programme of last night. It included, as we have remarked, some of the choicest pieces in Mons. and Madame Simonsen's repertoire; and it is unnecessary to repeat remarks which can take no other shape than that of compliment.

To-night Mons. and Madame Simonsen will give a concert at Kaiapoi, and we hope to hear that one part of the province has not forgotten what it has never been slow to recognise. On Monday night the Company will give a concert lit Lyttelton, for the benefit of Ihe building fund of the Lyttelton Colonists' Society. By this act of graceful liberality, Mons and Madame Simonsen Beem to remind the Jpenple of Canterbury that, although they have not met with the reception they were entitled to, they cannot leave the province without availing themselves of what artistes often deem, and rightly, their highest privilege, |We thank Mons and Madame

Simonseni for the delightful evenings ,hev have enabled us to enjoy in the To™ HaU and wish them the success they so well de-' serve ia their northward journey.