MR. WESTMORLAND'S CONCERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1444, 4 July 1868, Page 3

MR. WESTMORLAND'S CONCERT.

Valedictohy performances are not always tlio most excellent, although they are unquestionably the most interesting. The faults of such an occasion arc usually attributed to the emotion which the separation of old friends never fails to producc, and moreover they are frequently tho memorials of great success which surround the subject of them with more numerous claims to attention. Mr. Wetmorland has been in this province for some years, and nothing was of courso more natural than that his friends and pupils should pay him a compliment on the evening of his departure from amongst them. As a teacher of music, and let us add a most industrious pains taking teacher too, he had acquired an established reputation which his personal qualities greatly enhanced. Mr. Westmorland does not lay claim to any brilliance of execution or any speciality tliat,should make his performances one of more than ordinary calibre, buthe is a good reader, and a faithful interpreter; two acquirements which aro of especial valuo. Church music is perhaps more in his way than I tho fragmentary essays of the concert room, but at the same time his taste is sufficiently olastic to adapt itself to such an ocl casion as last evening. We may join Mr. West-

morland's friends and pupils in wishing him success.

The concert of last evening comprised sufficient of variety to suit every kind of taste, and the selections were sufficiently numerous to appease the most insatiable musical - appetite. l The concert opened-with the." Overture to Tancredi," by the band of the 18th, followediby a song from Mr. Westmorland—" Oft in the tstiily Night." This gentleman was .unfortunately suffering from a severe cold, and wbb in consequence unable to attempt his usual high order of singing. Nevertheless his audience' seemed thoroughly to enjoy his singing. The chorus " In Light Tripping Measure/' by Jfossini, was the next piece, and Madame Mohler then gave fhat beautiful air from H Puritani

—Pollacea"—one of Bellini's most popular works. Mr. Parker executed, 'with great facility I and effect a pianoforte fantasia oil English, airs,' of which Bule Britannia afforded the very popular basis. Mr. Belfrage sung " Alice, where art thou ?" but unloss the missing lady, was in. very close proximity to the singer, we fear that his affectionate enquiries would be unheard,: as the song was rendered in a timid and undecided manner. Messrs. Austin, Belfrage,'Bartley and Henderson, nfforded us an unusual treat by their Tory superior performance of Weber's' Glee— " Lutzow's Wild Chase"—which-seemedto have been thoroughly mastered by them. Miss Shaoagliair was encored in "'Cushla'Machree,''' a song in which she excels. l ln the second part Mrs. Danes was charming in the Scotch song of " Castles in the Air." This lady, whose appear-' ance is no less prepossessing than her voice is sweet, was received with great applause'," aid' during her singing the listeners were quite entranced. The rest of the performance 1 m : the'vocal line was extremely good. '' '' ' Mr. Quinn and the Band of the 18th deserve a special mention, for his and their presence is becoming familiar to us as a "householdword." Both are on all occasions zealous, and unsparing, in courtesy. Of course the officers of the regiment are to be thanked for allowing their magnificent band to contribute so largely .to the amusement of the public, but their' kindness ia. greatly enhanced by the thorough cordiality whbh the Bandmaster and Band manifest on. every occasion when a'good or an obliging thing is to be done. They played last night magnificently, and "we trust when their turn comes to leave us they will not be suffered to depart without a souvenir. -

The concert was under the patronage of His Honor tlie Superintendent, and His Honor the Chief Justice, and the eonductotship was ably managed by Mr. Joseph Brown; Owing to the severity of the weather, the attendance was but small, and we understand that another concert will be given to JVlr. Westmorland during next week. .. .