MUSIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1211, 17 May 1895, Page 12

MUSIC.

WELLINGTON LEIDERKRANZ.

The first “ at home ” of the Wellington Leiderkranz took place on Monday afternoon at the Art Gallery, Mrs Levin, the president, formally declaring the season open, and wishing the society every success. J. F. Barnett’s cantata “ The Wishing Bell ” was performed, Misses Phoebe and N. Parsons, pupils of Madame Merz, singing the solos. Miss Phoebe Parsons suffered a little from nervousness in her first solo, but did full justice to all the others. She has a very fine voice, and was particularly successful in “ The Sky of Life was Dark,” which has a beautiful accompaniment, designed for the harp, but in this instance given on the piano. The solo “ The Island Shrine ” suited Miss N. Parsons to perfection, and, with the lovely “ Ave Maris Stella” chorus as an accompaniment, proved to be one of the best items. Of the miscellaneous items comprising the second part of the concert, “Voi Che Sapete,” sung by Madame Merz, was encored, and deservedly so. Madame Merz responded with “ Dear Bird of Winter.” Miss Pender of course did well what little she had to do in the solo of Wagner’s “ Spinning Song” chorus. Mrs Spackman, with a song of Roeckel, “ingus MacDonald,” also made a very favourable impression. The accompaniments were ably played by Miss Maude Ross. Madame Merz is to be heartily congratulated on the success of the first “ At Home.” During the afternoon Miss Ross, who is hon secretary and treasurer of the Leiderkranz,announced that the programmeof that day would be repeated at an open concert next Monday evening in the Art Gallery, tickets to he obtained from members or the secretary. The badge of the Leiderkranz is a harp, and Mrs Prouse made a beautiful floral one for the occasion.