PALMER-BEAUMONT CONCERTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10235, 2 January 1894, Page 6

PALMER-BEAUMONT CONCERTS.

An excellent programme of Scotch items was prepared t or the enjoyment of the audience last night at u>e Theatre Royal. The anticipations of a lr.rge house were not realised to any encouraging degree, and there will not be much further opportunity for the Christchurch public to make themselves acquainted with these excellent performers. To-night and to-mor-row they will make their last appearances. The first item was “The Blue Bells of Scotland/’ arranged ae a quartet, and sung by Mrs Palmar, Miss Stirling, Messrs Beaumont and Gee in' a finished and forceful menner. 'This'was followed by a harp solo by Mr Barker —Scotch airs, very tastefully arranged by himself. His second piece. “ Be k of Aberdovey,” was an expressive and subdued piece of playing. Mr Lsmmone’s arrangement of Scotch airs for the flute was also good and cleverly played, though bis second effort, a “Capricoio,” by Briccialdi, was a more musicianly performance. Miss Stirling’s contributions were very successful; her singing of “O Sing tae Me” was charming, being both pathetic and refined. “ Caller Herrin” was, equally good, being rendered with deep pathos, simpleness and directness. She secured encores in both instances. Mrs Palmer gave “Jessie the Flower o’ Dumblaue” in a heartfelt and stirring manner, but scored her greatest success with “ Annie Laurie,” which was beautifully sung, with full appreciation for the feeling of the poem. For her encore she sang once again “ Homo, Sweet Home ” most expressively. Mr Beaumont sang better.perhaps than on any former night. Hjs rendition of “ Draw the Sword, Scotktjjjgi,’’ was slightly marred in one or two places; but “ Como into the Garden, Maud,” was a finely impassioned apostrophe, and well sung out. The flue baritone voice of Mr Gee was excellently fitted for his patriotic song, “ Scots Wha Hue.” and a prolonged redemand was made in recognition for the fine delivery of it. His second song was also well given and received. A fine trio, “ This Magic-wove Scarf,” was not appreciated by the audience as it ought fco have been. By request, “Dame Durden” was again given, and, sung with amusing action, sent the people away in a good humour.