ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13234, 20 July 1906, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MISS AMY MURPHY'S CONCERT.

The second concert given by Miss Amy Mnrplir. the talented New Zealand soprano, in the Choral Hall last evening attracted a large audience. The main hall was parked, and the gallery was full, while a number had to be seated on the organ platform. The large audience listened with great attention to the programme numbers, and showed their appreciation by hearty applause. Miss Murphy opened with one of Meyerbeer's delightful arias, "Shadow Song."' The singer tcok the delicate and intricate parts with full command of her voice, bringing forth the true grace of the composition. As an encore number she contributed "' The Cuckoo." This item was followed by a recital of that gem of Wallace's "Ben Hur," " The Chariot Race," by Mr. T. M. Clark, in which his elocutionary abilities had full play, and he was accorded most complimentary applause. Miss Murphy followed with (a) Nicholls' "Cossack Slumber Song" and (b) Lane Wilson's " love's Greeting." Her singularly clear and pure voice was heard to perfection in,these charming numbers. Her best performance, however, was in the bracketed numbers (a) Solveig's Song" (Greig) and (b) "Se Saran Rose" (Arditi). In these Miss Murphy's notes demonstrated her great natural gift. After her magnificent rendering of Arditi's celebrated composition the audience expressed unbounded delight, and recalled her no less than three times. The second part of the programme was opened by Mr. J. M. Clark with the very fine piece from Wingfield entitled "The Old Man and Jim."' Miss Murphy followed with Clutsam's beautiful number, "'The Sea Hath Its Pearls," and bracketed with it, Chaminade's " L'Ete." The latter especially afforded her ample opportunity for a display of her undoubtedly great range of voice, and she took the notes in the upper , register with singular clearness and expression and purity of tone. As a concluding number she sang the simpler composition, "The Bird That Came, in Spring" (Benedict). Miss Millicent Hey wood gave a pianoforte solo in each part, her first piece being the first movement of Schumann's "Grand Sonata, Opus 11," and the other Lizst's "Rhapsodic No. 11." _ Her accomplished handlin~ of the§e two items was heartily applauded. In the case of the latter item she had to respond to an encore. One of the most artisthe features of both recitals has been the altogether admirable work done by Mrs. Mac drew as accompanist. To her has fallen an arduous task, and she deserves special praise for her musicianlv treatment of the work which fell to her share. As Miss Murphy does not sail for Welling-' toil till Tuesday afternoon she has decided to give a . farewell recital in the Choral Hall on Saturday evening. For this occasion the special engagement of Mr. Hamilton Hodges is announced, and Miss Murphy will also be assisted by Mr. ,1. M. Clark and Miss Nellie Black (violiniste). It is seldom that such a splendid combination of artists is seen together in this colony, and doubtless the music-loving public will recognise and take full advantage of the opportunity thus afforded them. ■ HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. " The Mariners of England" drew another largo attendance to His Majesty's Theatre last night. Everything passed off successfully, and the acting, scenes, and general effects met with warm approval. The piece will be repeated this evening for the last time. To-morrow night the sensational Australian drama "Thunderbolt" will be submitted. This piece will not doubt be highly interesting, inasmuch as it is full of Australian colour. OPERA HOUSE. -The programme at the Opera Mouse : seems to be very well appreciated, judging by the exceptionally good attendances this week*. Last night the Golden Duo made their reappearance, being warmly welcomed. Signor Antonio's dogs and monkeys were enthusiastically received, going through their performances with their usual accuracy. The first appearances on Saturday night are announced of the Musical Gardners, Mr. Percy Lodge, and Miss Ethel Leslie. The Driscoil Boys will make their reappearance, SKATING RINK. . -j There is no end of competition at the 01 in pi a. Skating Rink, and there being soiTif? half a dozen skaters almost, equal for speed challenges are numerous. Lost • evening Messrs. Inman and Stone tried conclusions over a mile, and the latter proved the miner. To-night a handicap race will-be mil over a mile, the handicaps ' being:—Tveffe' scratch; Stone and (Allien, 10yds; Inman; 40yds. To-morrow night an obstacle raceopen to allcomers, should provide much amusement. A lxtys' race is also on the programme. : TRADES RUGBY UNION SOCIAL. ; A social was held in St. George's Hall last evening, under the auspices of the Trades Rugby Union Social Club. There was a fair attendance, but those present had a pleasant evening's dancing. r ■ — — • ' ST. MARY'S ORPHAN ARE. . About 60 of the orphans from the Star of Sea Home, in connection with St. Mary's Orphanage. Ponsonby, were entertained by Mrs. M. Casey and her daughters yesterday afternoon at their residence. The'children spent, a pleasant time, and were regaled with refreshments. Races were held, a minilw>r of prizes being handed the children.