AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3438, 20 May 1898, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

MADAME AMY SHERWIN’S FAREWELL. The warmth and cordiality of the reception given to Madame Sherwia last night must have been most gratifying. Tho Skating Kink was fairly well filled, and the audience throughout were moat liberal in their manifestation of approval. The programme had been carefully prepared, tbe items being judiciously selected so as to meet tbe popular as well as the educated musical taste. Madame was in excellent voice, and her first contribution, a scena from Weber’s per Froischutz,” formed an excellent medium for tin exhibition of her highly - cultured vocal powers. In response to an encore, the emphasis of which rendered it impossible to ignore, *Ma Babbie” was given with appropriate feeling. Sullivan’s nobla setting of Tennyson's “Lost Chord -generally regarded as being more suitable for a deep contralto—tho organ accompaniment being played by Mr Zelmau, formed the concluding part of the first half of the programme, tho singer repeatedly bowing her acknowledgments to her hearers* plaudits. In the second part the evergreen Irish ballad 44 Kathleen Mavom> neen” was sung with duo pathos and expression, 44 No, Sir” and “Begone Dull Caro ’’following a triple encore. It was with Bishop’s difficult solo, 44 Lo, Here the Gentle Lark,** requiring, as it does, a marvellous control of voice, that madamo made her greatest success. The notes of the flute mingle with those of the ringer with beautiful effect, and at tho conclusion of the song a regular ovation was given by the audience, and Madame had to return to the stage again and again, finally being compelled to respond with “The Old ; Folks at Home.” Mias Kitty Grindlcy, who left such pleasant recollections after her last visit, sang her numbers with tbe characteristic naivete and correctness that sustained her previous reputation. 44 The Guiding Light,” 44 When All Was Young ” and 44 Whustle and I’il Come Tae Ye ” were all encored, among the pieces given in reply being two Scotch songs, sung with pleasing quaintneas and humour. The baritone, Mr Arthur Deane, was heard to the best advantage in 44 Thou Ait Passing Hence,” tho eaooro number to which was “To Anthea.” Encores wore remarkably numerous, thq audience being quick to recognise the artistic merit of their entertainers. Tbe instrumentalists were Mr Alberto Zelman, a violinl.-t of brilliant executive ability, Mr Herbert Stout-ham, flautist, and Mr S. Szczepauoweki, pianist and accompanist, An entire change of will be submitted this evening, included in which will be a scene from 44 Martha,” introducing the 11 Last Rose of bummer.” Th* management announces that a third concert will be given on Saturday night.

MR DDR WARD LELY’S SECOND RECITAL.

The Opera House was again very numerously attended last night, when Mr Durward Lely gave his second recital, an evening of national song and slory, under the descript;v<j- title of ‘‘Rose, Thistle and Shamrock.” Mrs Lely opened the programme with a pianoforte solo, au approprlit© arrangement of national airs Next the girlish figure of Fraulein Elly Fuchs was seen on the stage. With Mr Maughan Harnett as accompanist she played Wieniawaki’a ” Faust” fantasia. Later she gave a mazurka of Sauret’s. The encore was complied with in each instance Mr Lely was extremely bappy in his interpretation of typical songs of the three kingdoms; but beyond all doubt bis finest effort was his dramatic and full-coloured of Balfe’s exquisite setting of Come into the Garden. Maud,” that musical excerpt from Tennyson’s most musical poem It is somewhat difficult to draw comparisons where the efcmdard of excellence was so high, but perbapj ” The Minstrel Boy ” came next in merit. The narrative of “My Boy Tammy ” was very beautifully illustrated. " Sally in Our Aliey,” the closing item, proved as popular as any on the list Mr Lely’s graceful lecturette, with its amusing anecdotes, added to the pleasure of the audience. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly have intimated their intention of being present this evening, when the entertainment, by request, will be “ Rantin’ Rovin’ Robin.” Mr Mao Duff Boyd writes : —“ I bad the opportunity of hearing Mr Darward Lely eing at the Opera House to-night. He is unquestionably a groat entertainer. His renGerirg of ‘ Come in’o the Garden. Maud,* ia a revelation, and it ia to be hoped ho will sing it again to-morrow night. Miss Fuchs’ violin playing ia very fine, her playing of the * Faust * fantasia being very fine. Every true lover of music should hear both these artists.*'

Mr Cadzow is making excellent progress in his arrangements for the grand entertainment on the 21th instant, the evening of the Fire Brigade sports. In an advertisement in another column Mr Cadzow announces that he ia prepared to treat with instrumentalists, vocalists, humorists, for the above entertainment. The box plan is now open at the Dresden Company’s.