AMATEUR OPERA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 288, 9 November 1925, Page 3

AMATEUR OPERA.

“LES CLOCHES DE CORNEVILLE.”

A BRILLIANT FINALE,

The concluding night of the 1925 production of the Palmerston North Amateur Operatic Society was a splendid success, the audience which filled the Opera House greeting the final performance of the old favourite, “Les Cloches de Corneville.” in no uncertain manner. Strengthened by the experience of tho preceding nights of the season, the cast gave a capital performance. The audience was not slow to. recognise the artistry revealed, and the final curtain witnessed an outburst of a most enthusiastic nature, the performers being the recipients of tributes, floral and otherwise, m which even the male members participated, although the nature of their tributes strikingly differed. AVhen the demonstration had died away, Mr C. Louisson, patron of the society, took the opportunity to thank the public for their patronage, following which the president, Mr B. J. Jacobs, referred to the aims of the society. After referring to the financial outcome, Mr Jacobs said that tho high standard of the work of the society had been well maintained, which had been due in large measure to the capable supervision of the producer, Mrs Hulme, and to the splendid assistance of the orchestra under the direction of Mr A. J. Graham who, despite his many public ties, had devoted considerable time to the musical side of the work. Miss Carbines, as pianiste, had also been called upon to perform a good deal of the spade work, while the principals and members filling the minor roles had all entered into their parts with enthusiasm.

On a speech being demanded of Mrs Hulme, that lady thanked the company and audience for the appreciation shown. Her work had been rendered light, she said, by the capabilities of the principals, who had required little direction. So pronounced had been the talent that it was regrettable that they could not bo given experience with professional support. “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was sung by the company, following which the singing of the National Anthem brought to a close a highly successful presentation.

PERFORMERS ENTERTAINED. In accordance with its usual custom, the society entertained the performers and helpers at supper in tho Municipal Hall after the performance when a happy time was spent. The occasion was taken by the president, Mr B. J. Jacobs, to refer in happy vein to the romantic side of the society which had been responsible for the launching of several iifo partnerships, he being of the number. More recently Mr and Mrs Bert Palmer had been added to this list and he took the opportunity of presenting them with a small token of *the society’s regard and expressed tho liopo that tho name of Palmer would long bo associated with the society. Others to whom li© paid a tribute were the principals, Mrs Hulme, Mr A. J. Graham, the stage committee, the ballet, Misses Tabor and Stone, and everyone that had contributed to tho success of tho season. AVhilst there woidd be a small loss still there were funds behind the society and no doubt tho small deficit would more than bo made up on the next occasion. Mr A. J. Graham paid a tribute to the good work of tho chorus and orchestra, and the secretary. He said the society should have no difficulty in keeping its ranks filled. Music as an art held a high place in tho community and parents should early inculcate the love Of music in their children. The society had every reason to be proud of its active members who had on this occasion equalled anything previously attained by them. Mrs Hulme said it was really wonderful how tho opera had taken shape in the eighteen days at her disposal. Sho had heard of Mr B. J. Jacobs as “Gaspard,” whoso reputation in this role was Now Zealand-wido and knowing the calibre of other members of tho cast was delighted to be able to undertake the work of production.