THE PEOPLE'S WEDNESDAY CONCERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9197, 11 May 1893, Page 5

THE PEOPLE'S WEDNESDAY CONCERT.

The second concert of the series, arranged by Mr. Harold Ashton, took place yesterday evening at the City Hall, which was densely crowded. By half-past 7 the hall was crowded, and admission was refused to hundreds, who had to either remain outside or crowd into passages, or do as numbers had to do, content themselves with seats in the wings of the stage. The programme was a most attractive one. The overture at the opening was " Mysotie" (Buger), played by the septette orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. A. R. Hunter. Wo may here add that .the same orchestra played selections from " II Trovatore" afterwards, and the effect was very pleasing. Mr. Geo. Reid followed with a plaintive air, "A Ribbon and a Flower. He subsequently sang " My Queen " with great spirit, and all his selections were loudly applauded. Mrs. Ki'gour was in excellent voice. '' The Garonne " was rendered with great power and expression, which fairly took the audience, and in response to an undeniable encore the lady gave " Sing, Sweet Bird," which was even more successful than the first selection. Mr. Horace Stebbing's selections were given in a finished manner. ••The Powder Monkey," "My Little Queen," and " The Old Rustic Bridge by the Mill," were amongst the most attractive features of the concert, and wo have not heard him to better advantage than in these selections, especially the latter, to which his baritone voice did full justice. Miss Ruby Clifford is an excellent elocutionist, and the racy manner in which she recited the "Tale of the Jealous Husband, Peterkin Peep," had scarcoly given way to the ripple of laughter in the audience until she had to respond to an encore, which took the form of a "Comical Kiss in a Country School." Herr Zimmerman!! played some beautiful violin selections. Mr. Percy Dufaur, who was received enthusiastically, sang "The Old Sexton" effectively, and Mr. 0. White in a comical make up gave some grotesque songs and delineation. In the second part Mr. Jackson sang "Come Into the Garden, Maud," and in answer to an encore he gave, on the occasion of his farewell to Auckland, Good-bye, Sweetheart." We have to welcome a new vocalist who created'a very favourable impression last night. This is Miss Short, a pupil of Mr. Towsey. She has a nice mellow soprano voice, soft and sympathetic, and oapable of a great degree of culture. . Her items " Remember Me No More," and "Let Me Dream Again," were sung with great feeling, and earned deserved plaudits. The other items were cordially received, and the final duet, "Army and Navy," by Messrs. T. M. Jackson and P. Dufaur brought the concert I to a successful termination.