AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14981, 29 April 1909, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

CHORAL HALL. CHRISTCHURCH~OROHESTEAL SOCIETY. Despite the fact that, the attendance at the Choral Hall last evening was by no means commensurate with the reputation that the Christchurch Orchestral Society has already established, those who were present had the privilege of hearing a concert that was quite as artistically enjoyable as any of its predecessors. Orchestral music is rare enough to merit as much manna in the wilderness as, it is possible for those possessing the power to bestow, and if the proverbial persistence that conquers, has any weight, outeide the realm of aphorism, the Christchurch Orchestral Society should some day come into its own. For the sake of the preservation of good music that day ought to be not far off. The concert last evening was particularly meritorious, in that there was a noticeable cohesion throughout, and each item Bhowed that Mr Alfred Buna had been careful to make his workers thoroughly conversant with the programme. The brasses, which have been subject for complaint on many occasions, were subdued and unobtrusive, and the wood-winds and strings were equally praiseworthy. The concert opened with Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 in F, the two movements played being given with a fine appreciation of the character of the composition. The balance was good, and the attack was confident and crisp. The finale was particularly well played, and the wood-winds were well in tune throughout. Lardelli's " Suite Enfantine " was another attractive item, the gavotte being the best played of the series. The valse was rather ragged, but the work of the flute in the polka was good. The almost hackneyed intermezzo from Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana". was encored, and was repeated, and Delahaye's minuet "Colombine," was well played, the clarionet and oboe being heard to distinct advantage. The prelude to the third act of "Lohengrin " (Wagner) wae decidedly effective, from the fact that the brasses were exceptionally good, and though the interpretation was somewhat different from those heard in Christchurch before, it was highly enjoyable. The. orchestra had to repeat the number. The fantasia,. •" Gipsy Life" (Le Thiere) and "March Hdngroise" (Berlioz) wore also well rendered, the latter being given with marked precision! Miss Doris M'lntyre played Beethoven's " Romanza No. 50," with orchestral accompaniment, aad showed that she is a violinist of considerable promise. Her technique is notably good, and her bowing is free. She was recalled, but did not respond. Mr A. L. Cropp was hoard to advantage in "Blow! Blow! Thou Winter Wind," and "I Triumph 1 I Triumph!"' and sang a coupie of pretty ballads as encores. He wae accompanied by- Mr Bunz, who conducted the orchestra excellently. THEATRE ROYAL. Mr Harry Rickard's Vaudeville Company attracted a large audience to the Theatre Royal last evening. Paul Cinquevalli's was the "star" turn, and was most heartily applauded. Jen Latotra's topical items were repeatedly encored, and the Mackinnon's Scottish Meisters gave a very popular turn. The programme will be repeated, this evening. OPERA HOUSE.

There was a good attendance at the Opera House last evening, and the cinephone entertainment was repeated, meeting with the approbation of the. audience. Songs by Harry Ladder, Charles Fordo, Miss Flossie Tree and Madam Deering were well rendered on the cinephone, while the moving pictures were well selected and clearly shown. To-night will be the last night of the present season. COLOSSEUM. There was again a crowded audience at the Colosseum last night, when the programme submitted was very wellreceived. During the interval theresuits of the Mayoralty and half-holiday poll were announced, and were received with hearty applause. To-morrow night a complete change of programme will be presented. The "star" items will be "A Carnival at Nice," "College Chums," acted by famous French actors, " An Arabian Pilgrimage," and a scenic film of Marseilles. ORPHEUS SOCIETY. The Christohurch Orpheus Society, under the conductorship of Mr Macleodamith, will give its first concert of the season this evening, in the Choral Hall. The programme will include instrumental and vocal solos and part songs and choruses. WEST'S PICTURES. Considerable interest is being taken in the' presentation of "The Red Hand," a new kind of moving picture, which is to be shown by West's Pictures on Monday evening, in His Majesty's Theatre. Mr T. J. West has secured several " art studies," and each will have some special attraction attached to it. It is .claimed that "The Red Hand" and similar studies mark a. distinct advance' in the art of the cinematograph. Other subjects of interest will he 6hown during the season in Christchurch, and many new pictures are promised. "THE WOMAN PAYS." Mr Edwin Geach's Premier Draiaatlc Company will commence its season on Monday, at the Opera House, when it will produce Frank M. Thome's sensational drama, "The Woman Pays. ' New scenery has been painted by Mr Ray Phillips, and careful attention has been paid to details of the producciou.' The company is headed by Mm Ethel Buckley, a comedy actress who is well spoken of, and Mr Robert Inman. ■ Included in a large cast are Missus Maud Appleton, Pattie Gourlay, Madge Refers and Leal Douglas, and Mess.s Kenneth Hunter, J. P. O'Neill, Albert Lucas, Harry Norman and Thomas Outran. The production will be und.vr the personal supervision of Mr George Marlow. The plan of seats is at fcho Dresden.