AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 3605, 3 December 1898, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT. On tlio programme for the second concert of the Wellington Orchestral Society’s ninth season, given in tho Opera House last night, there were selections to please all preferences. The Society made a record of which it may with justice bo proud by securing two encores in succession. Those were for the prelude to tho third act in “ Lohengrin ” and tho intermezzo from “Cavalleria Uusticana.” Another important item was Massenet’s orchestral suite, “ .Picturesque Scenes.’' Two dances from Berlioz’s much-criticised “Faust” work, “ Valso do Sylphs” and Minuett de Follets ” were played, Schubert's “Rosaniuudo” overture, with its delicate phrases, opened the concert. At tho end of tho programme was placed ballet music from Rubinstein’s ” Feramore,” comprising “ Danse dos Bayaderes ” and “Wedding March.” Mr Maughan Barnett, the conductor, left the orchestra a pood deal to themselves in the march, and they justified his confidence by tho steadiness ofc their performance. In a programme so varied there wero many tests, and the orchestra, came through them with much success. Miss Maud Ross and Mr E. li. Mozar wero tho vocalists. Miss Ross sang Gounod’s mystic song, “O, Divine Redeemer,” for which she was encored, and also sang Somerville’s “ Shepherd’s Cradlo Song” with sweetness. An ovation was extended to Mr Mczar for his singing of Gumbort’s “Oh, Haste, Yo Birds ” and Franz Abt’si “ Sleep Well, Oh Sleep Well.” In response to recalls, ho gave “ Sally Horuor " and Sullivan’s “ Only Onco More.” Miss Gill accompanied Mr Mozar, and Mr Towsay was at tho piano during Miss Rosa* songs.

Before the concert began, Mr Barnett made a ghoit speech which occasioned some remark. Ho craved tbe indulgence of the audience for* any shortcomings they might notice in tha orchestra’s work. A rehearsal in the build.ng in which such a concert was to he given was, ho explained, absolutely necessary. Ihe Society had arranged to have a final rehearsal in the Opera House on Thursday night, but they were deprived of tho opportunity in a highly objectionable manner. Continuing, Mr Barnett said that Wellington greatly needed a largo concert hall, and ho expressed tho hope that tho proposed town hall might soon bo an accomplished fact.

THE HENRY DRAMATIC COMPANY.

A season, in which rapid changes of programme arc to bo made, will bo commenced by tho Henry Dramatic Company at tho Opera Houso this evening, tho opening production being "From Scotland Yard.” Speaking of tho company’s performance a northern contemporary says i— 11 Tho dra ma abounds in thrilling incidents and effective situations, it io well constructed and cleverly written, and there ruua throughout a strain of ccmedy which servos admirably as a relief to tho more serious and traeio part of tho story. It is true that tho humour is sometimes forced and often weak, but at other times, especially in tho busimwa with which Miss Billie Howardo brightens tho whole production, it is sparkling, sprightly and ofi’ervescent. Tho 5 oung lady named impersonates tbe character of Susie Sanford, a. lively damsel whoundertakee a littlo assistant, detective work, and whether in the orthodox habiliments of her sex or in male disguise* Mias Howarde was equally piquant and charming.