ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12662, 16 September 1904, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA-HOUSE. The programme at the Opera House this week is of exceptional merit, and gives the greatest satisfaction to the large audiences. Victor, the marvellous ventriloquist, was loudly applauded. Mr. Tod Calloway's singing is much appreciated, and the Empire trio (Messrs. John Fuller, Harry Hart and ; Jas. "Williams) are very popular,. Mr. Will Stevens, the McAuleys, Joe Rocks and Tillie Dunbar also appear. MR. CHAS. McFARLANE'S RECITAL At, St. Mark's Hall, Remuera, last night, Mr. Chas. McFarlane gave a .banjo, mandolin and guitar recital, which attracted a good attendance and proved very enjoyable. The programme opened with the se- ! lections, "Tidings of Joy" (Siegel) and ; '• A Cottonfield Celebration" (Hale), by an orchestra comprised of Mrs. R. Goring Thomas, Misses M. E. Anderson, A. Court, and W. K. Mason (mandolins), Madam i Wigmore (mandola), Miss E. Lysag.ht (guitar). Mr. McFarlane (mandolin), and Miss A. M. Sayers (piano). The instrumentalists performed both pieces with distinct merit, their tone production, tempo and modulated rhythm being excellent. Their performance reflects credit upon their teacher (Mr. McFarlane). They also acquitted themselves admirably in "My Old Kentucky Home," "Believe Me if, all Those Endearing Young Charms," and in the accompaniment to Mr. M. Hamilton Hodge's solo, '"Finiculi, Finicula." The quintettes for mandolins .and guitars, "Sweet Memories" and "March and Two Step," Also received capable treatment. Mr. McFarlane is & skilful and artistic player, both of the man- : dolin and the banjo. He rendered several solos on these instruments. His mandolin solos were especially delightful. With Madam Wigmore and Mr. C. P. Aldridge Mr. McFarlane Was also concerned in a very successful performance of two tritis for guitars. Mr. M. Hamilton Hodges sang with expression Somervillo's " O Rose Tree in My Garden" and Somerset's exquisite " Song of Sleep..!'.„The_ demand for an encore ]was.very hearty and spontaneous, arid the baritone added "The Happy Land,'' an excellent . number from. the pen of a local lady who publishes under the pseudonym of Stewart .Boyd. Mr. Hodges was equally good in "Finiculi, Finioula." Mrs. M. Hamilton Hodges was also heartily received, her,, fecilo,. " Divided" (Hollands), beiiig roundly encored. It,was,supplemented by a sweet trifle of Leohi'a "Birthday Morn." Miss Millice Aickin, possessor of a musical and soft-toned voice, sang "The Flower Song" from "Faust" very tastefully, and later . gave a very sympathetic rendering of Needhani's "An ItisH Lullaby." Madam Wigmore and Miss A. M. Savers shared the, accompaniments, both playing very tastefully. The recital was a great success; The stage had been . very prettily decorated with flowers and bunting, etc., by Miss E. B. Sayers. WATKIN MILLS'' RECITALS. . Mr. Watkin Mills will appear at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday next in the first of "four recitals. . The Melbourne Argus says : —"The English basso will always be remembered here gratefully as an artist who' brought a great reputation with mm, and sang consistently above it. He is in the prime of life, in..th.e^ .plenitude of Ins noble powers, and commands such a,varied range of .style., that ,ho, always satisfies, the most critical ear." The box plan is now, open at Messrs. Wildrnan, Lysil .and, Arey's. >, A telegram' from' New Plymouth, states , that Mr Watkin Mills and Mons. Parlovitz appeared, there last. night, to a very large ; and enthusiastic audience. The eminent English basso and bis,pianist were tho recipients of great ovations.