ST. MATTHEW'S ENTERTAINMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6146, 29 July 1881, Page 5

ST. MATTHEW'S ENTERTAINMENT.

The third of the series of entertainments being given in connection with St. Matthews* parish took place at St. James' Hall last night. The entertainment was successful in every respect; for not only was there a crowded audience, but the performance wa3 one of very great merit, and passed off without a hitch. There were three parts,. illustrative of "Macbeth," "King Lear," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," respectively. The music sung was taken from these, and the readings served to explain the tableaux which followed each part. The singing was of an order rarely found at amateur entertainments. Tho burden of the solos fell uppn two or three ladies, notably Mrs. Morrin, Miss Halstead, Miss Green, and Miss D'Lacy, and right creditably did they acquit themselves. Mrs. Morrin sang "Where the Bee Sucks," and "Bid Me Discourse," and in each instance the audience manifested hearty ap-. probation, and encores were called for. Mrs. Morrin has a clear, pui'e, well-trained soprano voice, and her enunciation is very distinct. Perhaps there is no fault more common with amateurs than the absence of clear pronunciation, and no'thing is more necessary. Iα the one instance, no doubt, the taste of those possessed of a musical ear would be gratified, but for tho full effect to be felt, the fcelinga played upon, the words must be understood. Miss Halstead's appearance to sing " Should, he upbraid," was the sienal for applause ; proving that she is a favourite. Her voice is rich and powerful, and she made excellent use of it. She was called upon to respond to a vigorous encore. It is not generally considered cjood taste to criticise amateurs, but there are circumstances under which no greater compliment could bo bestowed upon them—namely, when their performance is bo excellent as to bear the searching light o£ criticism being shed upon it. Regarding Miss Halstead's singing in this aspect, tho liberty is taken of suggesting that, possibly, the pronunciation of the words might be slightly sharper; that each might be rendered more complete, and not in any way hinge upon its companion. Miss D'Laey's "Bid Your Faithful Ariel Fly," stamped the lady as an accomplished and highly cultivated singer. She likowißO received a hearty encore. • "O Willow, Willow," was sung by Miss Green very pleasingly. The efforts of the principal singers were ably seconded by the choir. Perhaps no part of the entertainment was more appreciated than the duet " I Know a Hank," sung by Mrs. Morriu and Miss Halstead. Several glees were sung, in which Messrs. Parish, Howden, Ferriday, Taylor, and Kingsford took part. Locke's music to Macbeth cannot be passed without special mention, it wa3 exceedingly creditable to the company. The tableaux vivants were produced in excellent style as to conception, dress, attitude, and every respect.