AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3439, 21 May 1898, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

MR LELY'S BONGS FROM BURNS.

With a fashionable gathering in the dress circle, and the other parts of the Opera House fully occupied Mr Dnrward Lely last nirtnt devoted himself to sketching salient features id the history and personal and poetical characteristics of Robert Bums, and to Singing some of the more famous songs of the Scottish bard. His Excellency the Governor, the Oountesff of fianfnrly »na His Excellency the Admiral of the station were present with their suites. It was Mr Lely’s singing that gained fullest admiration. What he had to say of Bnsns was mostly In the superlative mood that only nltra-enthusiasto can accept without reservation, and many of the anecdotes had little to do with the poet Nevertheless, the entertainer showed once more notably in a quotation from Sir Walter Scott's pen picture of Burns—that He is a gifted elocutionist as well as singer ; and the anecdotes were told with vim ana pawky humour. As to the songs, bweet Alton,” “ Gas Bring to Me a Prat p Wine and “ My Nannie's AwW "were rendered with extreme' delicacy. "A Mans a Mans for a’ that” and “Scots wha has took the aUdienoo to the other extreme. These songs, the one breathing intense national patriotism and the other prophetic of international brotherhood, were finely declaimed. la lighter Vein, “ The Deil ( »wa ,5* the Exciseman,” and the bacon an alian •• Willie Brewed a Pack o Mant, received duly mirthful treatment, Stanzas had to be repeated of each of the toreo humorous songs, a trio completed by Budcun Gray.” Fraulein Elly Fuchs’ violin solos wore Wien'awaki’s fantasia on Russian airs and a barcarolle by Sanret. The performances were rewarded with such genuine applause from all parts of the house that encores could not be withhold. Apart from the command the fraulein has over her instrument, it is remarkable how thoroughly for one so young she enters into tbe mood of net selections. At Mr Lely’s fourth recital tonight a specially attractive programme will be presented* Mr Lely's list of songs is exceptionally interesting. Besides several new ones he will repeat by desire “ Come into the Garden, Maud” ond “ ThelLaird o Cookpen,” and he will sing for the first time the popular operatic aria “ Let Me Like a Soldier Fall.” Fraulein Elly Fnchs wiU play Biff’s Cavatina and another capricorn on Russian melodies. MADAME AMT SHEBWIN’S FAREWELL SEASON. Notwithstanding the weather Madame Amy Shetwin and her talented company attracted a large audience to the Skating Rink last night, and the applause which greeted each item from first to last and the numerous encores exacted were evidence of the very great satisfaction with which the whole performance was viewed. Madame Sberwra'a contributions were “ Little Bird so Sweetly Binging," and “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls,” and her encore pieces were Tosti’s “ Good-bye” and “ Annie Lanrie.” The gilted singer also took part with Miss Kitty Grlndlay and Mr Arthur Deane in two concerted items, which were greatly enjoyed. The former was in her boat form, and her every effort was encored j and Mr Deane also merited the generous applause which he received for his several contributions. Mr Herbert Stoneham's Ante solos and accompaniments were a feature of the performance, notwithstanding that he was playing Vwith a strange instrument from strange music. Mr Alberto Zelman’s violin and Mr Szozepanowski’a pianoforte solos were also greatly appreciated. , , To-night’s programme will be decided by a plebiscite, and the details have cousequent'y not been decided npon. Madame Amy Shetwin has extended a warm invitation to the members of the Girls Friendly Society to attend her last concert. In Christchurch and Auckland Madame Amy Sherwin also invited the girls, and needless to say they availed themselves of her kind offer. It is to be hoped the members of the Wellington Society will be present in large numbers to show their appreciation of this exceeding k ; nd thought. Tickets can be obtained from Mrs Bix, Ingestre street.

Thf third performance o! the “ Bright Lights” Minstrel and Vaudeville Company takes place to-night, when there will be an entire change of programme throughout, and special naval selections will be given. The company will not appear on Wednesday next owing to an engagement at Wanganui on that date, but will re-open on the Saturday following. . . The grand entertainment to be given on Tuesday next on the night of the Fire Brigade’s sports promises to be one or special merit. Mr Cadzow is preparing a splendid holiday programme, and announces the engagement of a number of talented instrumentalists, vocalists and humorists. Full particulars aad programme in Monday's issue. -