ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19721, 22 August 1927, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MUNICIPAL CONCERT. Tlio attractive programme presented by the Municipal Band at the Town Hall on Saturday evening was responsible for s satisfactory attendance of the musical public. The items, concerted and otherwise, wqro culled from leading operas, and such was the warmth of their reception that encores were frequently demanded. Under the skilful control of Mr. Christopher Smith the band was heard to conspicuous advantage in a number of selections, all of which bore evidence of careful rehearsal. Opening with a cleanly-played rendering of tho march "Idomeneo," from Mozart's opera, the musicians next gave a thrilling performance of Verdi's overture, ""Nabuccodonosor," a composition which embodies some of the most interesting orchestral ideas which that composer has given us. The opening movement was handled with much refinement, while the "Allegro" was conspicuous for lucidity in the many incisive phrases. A selection of much merit included the main themes from Wagner's "Die Walkure," many beautiful effects being forthcoming in the sections depicting the " Ride of tho Valkyries," and the "Magic Fire" music. A "request" selection which laid under contribution the principal airs from Gounod's "Faust" was much enjoyed, and gave many chances for artistic solo and ensemble playing. As cornet soloist. Mr. Fred. Bowes submitted a miisicianlv arrangement. of Amina's air "Sovra il Sen." from the first act of Bellini's opera, "T.a Sonnambula," while the solo flautist, Mr. Hal. C. McLennan, excelled in his number on Verdi's "La Traviatn" (arranged -by Pohl). Both exponents were the recipients of hearty recalls. Miss Alma McGruer's tasteful soprano solos included Mimi's air, "Mi Chiamano Mirni," from the first act of Puccini's "La Boheme," and "One Fine Day," from the same composer's "Madamo Butterfly." That the old-time ballad still makes a unanimous appeal was proved when Miss McGruer sang Molloy's "The Kerry Dance" for | one of her encores So emphatic was the ] applause that the soprano was compelled to respond yet again. Mr Jean Dellore j (tenor) sang with commendable freedom the operatic excerpts, "The Prize Song," from W-igner's "Die Meistersinger," and "On With the Motley," from Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," and was again in demand. \ Mrs. A. R.' Ripley lent valuable assistance as accompanist. ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. A very fine programme of orchestral music was given at a charity concert in the Regent Theatre last evening by an orchestra of 74 players, drawn from the theatres of the city, under the baton of Mr. Mkurice Giittridge. The large band of players had had very little practice as a combination, but achieved great success. The theatre was literally packed In a silver collection over £IOO was taken. The concert was opened with the playing of the National Anthem and the orchestra then passed on to a fine rendering of the overture to Wagner's "Tannhauser." Next was played Mr Guttridge's arrangement of "Abide With Me," as a hymn for strings. It was all too short for the audience. The old air was played to a background of brass and reed orchestration and played flawlessly. Selections from the ballet music of Gounod's "Faust" were brilliantly performed and Luigini's "Ballet Egyptien," with its varying moods and rich Oriental phrases, drew round after round of applause. Selections from Tschaikowsky's "Casse-Noisette Suite" introduced a celeste air with an orchestral back : ground, and then the deep tones of Wagner were heard again in the "Pries lied" from "Die Meistersingers." The closing number was the ever-popular overture from Rossini's "William Tell." Solo items were given by Miss Isobel Langlands, Mr. Vincent Aspey and Mr. Birjell O'Malley. No costs at all were incurred in the concert. The musicians gave their services free, J. C. Williamson Films lent the theatre free of charge, and the entire staff of the theatre worked without remuneration. Consequently the gross proceeds will be handed to charity. NATIONAL THEATRE. "The Happy Warrior," an adaptation of A S. M. Hutchinson's novel of the same name, is proving a great attraction at the National Theatre. The film is described as a swift, strong tale, with vivid melodramatic situations Malcolm McGregor is said to act extremely well in the title role, while Alice Calhoun lias a congenial role as Dora the girl who jilts him for a title. An exciting scene in the picture is a stampede of elephants which causes a riot and wrecks a circus. The cast inchides, Marv Alden. Olive Borden, Anders Randolph. Otto Matieson; Andree Tourriirr, Eulalie -Tensen and the two iuvenile actors. Philippe de Lacy and Bonny Gordon. On the same programme is "The Courageous Fool." a Master picture with Reed ITowes and Carmelita Geraghty in the chief roles. CARTER THE GREAT. Wizardry has a revival in the illusions and tricks of Carter the Great, who, with his company, -will appear for a short season at His Majesty's Theatre next Wednesday. "In the realms of magic Carter stands pre-eminent," said a critic in describing one of his remarkable performances. Judging by the titles of these tricks audiences during the coming season are promised a mystifying time. The disappearing horse, the torture cell of spikes, the elongated maiden, the bewitched hat, the astral hand, and the aerial pigeons are only a few of the many examples of legerdemain practised by the popular illusionist. Miss Evelyn Maxwell. a telepathist. who has acquired her knowledge of thought transference and second sight only through years of study, will assist Carter in some of his most ambitious experiments as well as present an act of her own. Booking arrangements are advertised. ORGAN RECITAL. In spite of inclemeqt weather there was a fair 'attendance at the organ recital given by Mr. J. Maughan Barnett, city organist, in the Town Hall last evening. The programme included concerto, "Cuckoo and Nightingale" (Handel); Scherzo Caprice and Homage Hymn (Rowley); Prelude and Fugue in 6 (Bach); Forest Murmurs from "Siegfried" (Wagner) ; T.a Fileuse (Raff) and Carillons (Faulkes).