AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14973, 20 April 1909, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

CHORAL HALL. MR GLADSTONE BELL’S CONCERT. Christchurch can ill afford to lose its musicians, but many people'’ who profess to be music-lovers do not seem to realise the fact, and the farewell concert tendered to Mr Gladstone Bell at the Choral Hall last evening was not particularly well patronised. Those who did attend paid fitting tribute to the artist, and he can have no reason to doubt the warmth of feeling towards him. Since the Exhibition orchestra disbanded, Mr Bell has lived in Christchurch, and on many occasions bis cultured and sympathetic ’cello playing has delighted local audiences. In company with the Misses Wells, with whom he has been professionally associated, Mr Bell has given a number of chamber concerts, and these entertainments have proved highly successful. On that score alone his departure fro™ Christchurch will be regrettable. lho programme/ given last eveiung was thoroughly deserving of tho applause that greeted it. Mr Bell played Gounod’s “ Ave Maria,” “ La- Fileuse „ (Dunkler), Schumann’s “ Traume/rei and Popper’s “ Widmung and “Vito,” besides many encore numbers. In the “ Ave Maria his work was particularly pleasing, and t>chuman n’s beautiful composition was full of grace and expression. V ith Muss Alma Wells the ’cellist played Rubinstein's “ Sonata in D,” and ho and the Misses 'Wells played Arensky s brilliantly technical Trio, the scherzo movement being especially impressive. MibS Christabel Wells played the andante movement from Mendelssohn a violin concerto in E minor, and was enthusiastically encored, and Miss Alma Wells gave the pianoforte solos, Chopins No. 5 Nocturne and Mendelssohn s dainty “Spinning Song.” Songs were given by Mr George March, who was in exceptionally good voice, Mr J. F. Peake, a tenor who rejoices in a true and pleasing voice, and Miss Hetty Hunt, a young contralto singer whose voice should he worth more training than she has yet had The accompaniments were very nicely played by Mr R. A. Horne. • HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. There was a large attendance at the All Seasons Carnival at His Majesty s Theatre last evening, and the stallholders bad _ a busy evemng. MiGS Florence Baines offered to attend the Carnival last evening, and to sing a number of her successful songs from “Miss Lancashire, /Limited. lhe management of the Carnival accepted the offer, and her appearances was the feature of the programme, lhe Carnival will be open to-uight. OPERA HOUSE. ' The performance given at the Opera House last evening by the Cmephone was as successful as those given previously, . many of the pictures being very warmly applauded. This evening the prograjnme will he repeated. COLOSSEUM. The popularity of the Wide World Pictures at the Colosseum contnuies, and the statement that the picture “ boom ” was approaching its conclusion was effectively discredited by the attendance last evening. The films shown were appreciatively received. They will be shown again to-night. MADAME MELBA. . Til© two concerts to be given in Christchurch by Madame Melba will take ;place in His Majesty’s Theatre on Thursday and Fridav. The plans at the Dresden are filling very rapidly, and the tickets for the 5s seats will be sold this morning at nine, o’clock. The company supporting Madame Melba includes Mr Frederick Ranalow, _a young Irish baritone; Miss Una Bourne, solo pianist; Mr John Lemmone, flautist; and Mr Harold Whittle, accompanist. In Dunedin the great singer had a wonderful reception, and a Press Association message describes her concerts there as veritable triumphs. THE OINQ.UEVALLI SEASON. i The season of seven nights of Mr Harry Richards’s “ All Star ” Vaudeville Company will begin at the Theatre Royal on Friday evening. A number of eeats has already' been booked at the Dresden. The turns of Cinquevalli, the Latonas ahd the Scottish Meistera will he embellished by careful attention to scenery and dresses. The entertainment is' said to be lavish in spectacular attractions. . Cinquevalli’s wonderful juggling won him great successes when he last visited Christchurch, and his work is said to be even better now than it was seven years ago. The Latonas, the' Scottish Meisters, Lawson and Namon, Guest and Newlyn, and Mr Tom Dawson will present special turns lull of fun and novelty, and Misses Fanny Powers and Nellie M&unsell and Mr Arthur Harris will complete the company.