CONCERT AT THE CHORAL HALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9326, 1 April 1889, Page 5

CONCERT AT THE CHORAL HALL.

A large audience attended the concert given at the Choral Hall on Saturday evening in aid cf the fund for the relief of Mr. William Stelton. Amongst those present were Admiial Fairfax and party, and many officers anc seamen of warships now in harbour. The first of the instrumental items, whici were of unusual excellence, was render*! by bhe band of H.M.s. Orlando, mmbering 17 members, who, under bhe conductorship of Mr. Bird, played a colection of airs from Gilbert and Sullivan's litest opera, "The Yeomen of the Guard," The music which was chosen had the light and features of all of Sullivan's operatic productions — full of gracj and delicacy, and of high interest, Mrs. Bahnson sang "II Fact I'artir" witi characteristic skill, and bowed her acknowledgments of continued applaige. The by-play of Messrs. Wright and lent, who rendered an excellent banjo du<t, was amusing. A number of very creditable effect was the instrumental piece, Charles Geng's "Melodie," played as a t-io by Mr. Maclean (violoncello), Mr. Mtyecy Thompson (violin), and Miss Maclean piano). The music was interpreted wife faithful perception and expressiveness, aid with a fulness and richness of tonohiat was most pleasing. An encore was demanded, and was responded to with the - election, " Simple Aveu" (Thome). Mr. Maclean subsequently played a 'cello solo, "Japrice," by Dupuy. This was amongst thj best selections of the programme. Mr. T. Jackson sang "The Anchor's Weiglod" with true feeling, and was loudly . ;pplauded. Mr. Tinney contributed an effective recitation, " The Lifeboat," whil-t Lieutenant Somervidc (H.M.s. Dart) von great applause in a song describing with great humour the imprisonment of Mr. Parnell in Kilmainham Gaol. He had to appear again, when he sang " Widow A'alone." The well-known " Massa's in de Cold, Cold Ground," as a pianoforte solo, was played by Mr. J. G. Sutherland withdear touch and refined expression, the effe;t of the variations being enhanced by thtimibabion of a banjo. Mr. Breaker sang bv 0 songs with much credit. The entertainm ;n was followed by a sketch, "Leave It To Me," in which the characters were SU staintd by the following naval officers Lieutenants Gumming and Fenwick, Messrs Keys, Wright, Richmond, and Boyle. h-evious to the interval, Captain Pelly, oi H.M.s. Lizard, returned thanks bo those who were present that evening to assist Skelton, who was now "on his last leg." Thanks were also duo to Dr. Wilkins, to the proprietors of the Herald and Star newspapers, and bo others who had agisted in raising subscriptions on his behalf.