ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15663, 17 July 1914, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

TEH second concert of the present season by the Auckland Orchestral Society drew a large audience to the Town Hall last nfrht. Considerable enthusiasm was displayed after several of the numbers, and frequently a repetition was demanded. Mr. G. A. Paque, deputy-conductor, wielded the baton over a numerous body of instrumentalist*!, and, broadly speaking, his readings gave considerable satisfaction. The orchestra had scarcely warmed up to its work in the first selection, the overture to Ambroiso Thomas's " Mignon," and this proved a somewhat weak number. In tho. opening bare, the delicate scoring for the wood-wind was fairly well done, as wero also the motifs for base strings, and the violins. Here opportunity was given for some effective harp passage work, which was mostly suggested with necessary clearness of oe tail. The horn subject was weak, though many of the refined string passages were artistically given, especially those ranging over the higher register of the violins. The "Polacca" subject, familiar to all, lacked a little as regards tho necessary verve and precision, and in the strings there was not always unanimity of bowing. The closing part of the overture, containing much esuoeranco of scoring, was mainly successiul, and evidently appealed to the majority present, 'the first performance was given here of Jarnefelt's " Berceuse, in winch Miss Edith Wnite-la-.v was beard to conspicuous advantage in the expressive solo violin part. The selection well deserved the oncora it re ceived. Following this was Delibes "Entr' acta et VaJse," from "Coppelia.' Here the broad and swinging sweeps of interesting melody, interspersed with passages of brilliant figuration, were mad© luily convincing by reason of their mode of interpretation, Techaikuwsky's great military " divertimento," the overture "1812," received a well-nigh unexampled rendering at the lianus of the society. The performing ranks wore, on this occasion) reinforced by tho members of tho Garrison .wind, under Bandmaster Cater, who invested tho musical proceedings with mora than usual interest. All the striking! dramatic phases of tho work were weu brought out, and in the closing portions,' the Garrison Band combined rath tho' Orchestral Society. Here the* strains of, the Russian Hymn towered over the rest of the orchestral volume, while the vigor-1 oils chimes, rung on a peal of tubular bells, enhanced the joyous and exhilarat ing effect. In response to the loud ap plause, the latter part of the overture was repeated. Grieg's popular "Peer Gynt," suite was listened to with great interest. '1 he opening movement, "Morn-! ing Mood," made big demands upon the orchestra, which was not always uniformly successful in. portraying the composer's idea. 'Ine second movement, " The Death of A6e," was neatly and tastefully played, while the delicate scoring for the strings in tho subsequent "Anitra's Dance" was carefully presented. The pizzicato work was cleanly and precisely done, and the responsive passages between the first and second violins showed commendable adaptiveness. In short, the excerpt was the most successful of the series. The effect of the finale "In the Hall of the Mountain Kings" was somewhat marred by being taken too quickly at the opening, while at the same true the initial subject was frequently not prominent enough. Eventually as tho pace quickened the orchestra gained in cohesion, and the strepitoso finale was well achieved. The Concluding item was Berlioz's Hungarian March from the " Damnation of Faust," the selection . beinrr played with much rhythm and musicianly insight. Miss Edith Whitelaw showed considerable resource as leader of the orchestral forces.

Mr. F. G. Bourke, though scarcely in his usual vocal form, submitted well-defined and intelligent readings of his baritone solos, •' If 1 Were King " (Webster) and " Absent, Yet Present (M. V. White).. He was heartily encored after each appearance. Mr. George Poore gave an extremely brilliant exposition of his flute solo "The Wind Amongst the Trees" (Briceialdi), during the course of which he produced some remarkably realistic effects, not the least prominent being a clever simulation of a passage in double notes. His ensuing encore niece, a "Theme With Variation." was in its way just as arresting in musical interest. L Mr. Leo Whiltauer made an excellent accompanist for the flute and vocal solos. '

"THE DANDIES."

The popularity of the entertainment given nightly by "The Dandies" in the concert chamber of the Town Hall, shows no sign of ;'waning, another large and appreciative audience greeting last' night's change of programme with every sign of approval. Nearly every one of the twenty odd items was encored, the performers in many instances having to respond several times before being allowed, to depart. From the opening chorus to the finale, the entertainment went with a swing. The majority of the items wero humorous, solos, duets, trios, and concerted numbers following each other in quick succession. Roland Henry made an instantaneous success whenever he appeared on the stage, his character, sketch, " Blood Orange," being received with roars of laughter, while he also appeared with Andrew Pace in a very humorous duet entitled "Poaching.'' Two of the most.popular items on the programme were " When the Year Again Returning," a mixed voice quartette, from Verdi's opera, " Rigoletto," and a concerted item, "Swing High, Swing Low," which was very prettily staged. .A duet, " A Night in Venice," was also very well received. The programme was brought to a conclusion by a clever and decidedly funny concerted item "On a 'Bus." The same excellent programme will be repeated nightly for the present.

OPERA HOUSE. The current vaudeville programme at the Opera House is proving to be a great • attraction this week, each item last night meeting with much applause from the laigo audience present. ' There are several outstanding features in the programme ■which is one of well-sustained merit throughout. A COMING ATTRACTION. Miss Daisy Jerome, the American • character comedienne who figured conspiciously in the comedy revue "Come Ovvf Here," under the J. C. Williamson ■ man lament, has been engaged by the Fully-Brennan management, and will anpes/ at all the firm's Australian theatres in due course-. Miss Jerome's New Zealand season ' will commence at the Opera House next Monday week. She is said to have a distinct style of her own. The box plans in connection with the first six nights and matinees will be opened at Wildnian and Arey's next Tuesday morning at nine o'clock. PRINCESS THEATRE. At the Princess Theatre yesterday there, were large attendances to witness the new star film, " Tho Daredevil." The picture is an intensely human one, dealing with the 3tory of a circus girl, who, having abandoned " the sawdust ring," returns to it in response to the inevitable call that the life holds for all professionals. " Captured by Mexicans," is a bright and breezy story of adventure, whilst " On the Brink ' is a drama, in more severe strain, but which is both pathetic and convincing in its deveopmont. The Warwick Chronicle supplies a budget of topical subjects, and the comedy element is sustained by a curiously clever and diverting picture, entitled, "The Brethren of the Sacred Fish." ALHAMBRA THEATRE. Not: one of many excellent pictures screened for the first time last night at ? ; the Albambra Theatre failed to gain instant appreciation from the large audi--1 ence -present. Four powerful dramatio :: subjects i are ". included in the programme,

these being "The Husband Hunters," "Art v. Music," "The Anarchist," and "Conscience and the Temptress," all of which proved to be exceedingly popular. A feature of the programme is variety, for in addition to the dramas several comic, scenic, and educational films are screened, Plenty of laughter iB provided by "Teaching Dad a Lesson," and "Solina's Fight for Freedom." Two beautiful scenic subjects, "Barcelona and its Surroundings" and "The Summit of the Scesaplane," both evoked much admiration, the latter containing soino magnificent sunset effects. Tho latest pictorial news from all parts of the world is supplied by the "Eclair Journal," whilst "Constructing a Dam" is an educational subject of much interest. Throughout the programme suitable selections are played by the orchestra, and these add much to tho success of the evening's entertainment.. KING GEORGE THEATRE. Tho usual change of programme was screened at the King George Theatre yesterday. The series opens with an excellent film depicting ragtimo dancing. " A Friend in Need," an exciting drama, describes the perfidy of a brigand namod Jose, who is caught in the act of robbing his fiancee's home. The star picture of the programme is a Russian drama abounding with thrilling, exciting scenes. The operations of a revolutionary society and their attempts to assassinate a noblo duke, the cruelty of the Russian police, and the peril of a boautiful girl and her father, held the attention of the audience throughout Two splendid comedies are also shewn. GLOBE THEATRE. At each session of the continuous pictures at the Globe Theatre yesterday, the new programme was very popular with tho audiences. " Seeds of Wealth," a pretty tale, telling how a nursegirl is charged with theft of diamonds, through her charge believing her fairy tal«s, ends happily when the little girl tells her story. " The Old Oak's Secret" describes the fidelity of an old slave. There is one of those ever-popular Indian dramas, in which a redskin dies in defence of a white woman, followed by an exciting film, " Hunting Big Game in the East." Tho usual topical and scenic picturos and two excellent comedies complete the entertainment. NEWTON PICTURE PALACE. A sensational and spectacular drama, entitled, " Between Man and Beast," was the star picture at the Newton Picture Palace yesterday. The film depicts big game shooting, a fire at sea, and a battle with the waves, and appalling adventures amongst wild beasts. The programme also contains the usual topical and comic films, and some very fine scenic pictures. QUEEN'S THEATRE. " In the Hour of Temptation," a drama, heads the new programme at the Queen's Theatre. Passing events in other parts of the world are chronicled by the Eclair Journal. Tho comedy part of the entertainment is very strong, and was greeted with enthusiasm by large audiences yesterday. The theatre will be open, as usual, to-day.

PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. " The Golden Beetle," a picture featuring big game bunting, and secured with difficulty and danger, was again received enthusiastically by a large audience at the King's Theatre last night. The rest of the programme, which will be repeated to-night, maintains the usual high standard.

The bi-weekly change of programme at the Arcadia Theatre .contains " Tho FourHoofed Hero,'" an exciting Western drama. " Fox-hunting" is a rather unusual picture, featuring the delights of tho chaso. The West End Theatre was well patronised last night, and each film on the programme was heartily applauded. " The Marvels of Nature" is still the chief attraction.

Patrons of the Lyric Theatre are being well catered for this week. One of those popular Vitagraph dramas. " Master of the Mines," is the chief picture.

VETERANS' HOME CONCERT.

A visit was paid to the Veterans' Home on Wednesday night by the Onohunga Glee Club and other friends, ( when they entertained the inmates with a good programme of music, etc. Choruses were rendered by 25 young men, conducted bv Mr. F. Sutherland Mr. H. Clegg played the accompaniments. Solos were rendered by Misses Zoe Bartley, M. Oliver and L. Fenton, and by Messrs. R. and E. Sutherland, H. and D. Black, N. Sims, and S. Breeze. The pianoforte accompaniments for the ladies were played by Miss Webster and Mr. Woreley. The entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by all present, including members of the Mount Roskill Road Board. '■