AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13579, 28 April 1906, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

THE ANDREW BLACK CONCERTS. * No one who has once heard Mr Andrew Black sing would for a moment deny his right to be included in the not extensive list of eminent baritone and bass singers who have visited Dunedin, and not a few would place him very near the head of that list. Possessed of a voice o[ very fine quality, great power, and extended range, which has evidently been carefully trained and cultivated, and with a most artistic conception of the requirements of any style of music he sets himself to sing, Mr Pilack is in a position to afford his audience a genuine musical treat whenever he comes upon the stage. Whether it is in such music as " Honour and arms " or " Turn ye to me," both of which 110 sung last evening, 110 is equally at home, and equally successful. Of the former Mr Black gave a splendid rendering. "Honour and srms" is not within tho reach of anyone who i? not a thorough artist and an accomplished singer, To listen tq Mr Black's singing of it the difficulties are' not apparent. The scvero lax 011 the breathing powers of the singer in successfully negotiating the lengthy runs that frequently occur in the aria was not noticeable, Mr Black being absolutely master of the art of breathing in song. Other items sung by Mr Black of a, somewhat similar type were Schubcrt's " Erl King,'' to hear him sing which was a revelation ; Karboy's " Shepherd, see thy horse's foaming mane," and, in a lesser degree, " Blue bonnets over the Border." Ami it is undeniable that Mr Black is equally successful in music of an opposite kind. Hi? voice in perfectly under control, and can be subdued to suit tho softest theme. This was shown in "Turn ye to me,'' which was rendered with great sweetness and expression, and "When thy blue eyes" (by Lassen) was another example of Mr Black's ability in thisTliroction. Ilis other two songs were an ait from the oratorio "Elijah" and "Nazarelh." and hi? treatment of the latter which differed from the version usually heard 011 a. concert platform, was exquisite. It is almost uiicessafv to say that Mr Black was repeatedly encored, and was compelled to respond on three or four occasions. Miss Ethel Sinclair, who is a. violinist of 110 mean order, quite delighted tho audience with her playing of a nocturne by Chopin-Saraste, a by D'Ambrosio. and a mazurka ny Wiensiawski. and, like Mr Black, was beseiged for further favours. Herr Borschke is a pianist of great talent, and his playing if of a very high order indeed. All his performances last evening, and they included Sutler's " Folkn. do concert," it scherzo by himself, and "Eugene Onegin Par.iphase" (by Tschaikowski-Pabid) were very fine, and were marked by great tilt ill in execution, and a very distinctly nmsicianly interpretation. 110 likewise did not escape the flattering attentions of the audience. A violin and piano duet—the last movement of Greig's "Sonata in C miiior"—plaved by Miss Sinclair and Herr Borschke completed last evening's programme. Mr Horace Gleeson is to be complimented on his sympathetic accompanying of tho songs. This evening another concert will he given, and Mr Black will sing, among other songs, "The village blacksmith," 'Simon the cellarer." " NOll pui andrai, 1 ' " 0 star of eve," and the " Skye boat song." Holders of tickets unable to gain admission last evening aro notified that they are either available to-night or the money will be refunded at tho Dresden warehouse up till 1 p.m. to-day.

AI/HAMBHA THEATRE. The week end programme of the Fuller's Entertainers attracted a fairly good midieneo to the Alhanibra last evening, and, judged by the frequent applause, the members of the company, without exception, are all favourites. The talented juveniles who constitute the Musical Ehvood Family contributed some new instrumental items, the A'olteens repeated their original act " The Pierrot Gymnast," and the Golden Duo were as successful as ever in their neat specialties. Miss Pearl Lovcll (the brTilhnt Australian soubrettc), Sam Wilson, and Lai Logie (the comiques and the soloists). Miss Ida Brady, Miss Phyllis Fay, and Mr Herbert Kslly eiith contributed items to a good programme, which was strengthened materially by the presentation of Fuller's animated pictures and a- couple of humourous sketches. The change of programme for to-night includes the first appearance of Alma '(tlio mystifyer). Miss Violet Frawley (an Australian soubrettc), and the Orel-popular Driacoll Brothers.

PRINCESS THEATRE. " Sinbad tile Sailor" was staged [or the last time nt the I'rincoss Theatre last night, and the audience that greeted this farewell presentation of a brilliant and unique pantomime was a large one. This evening olid on Monday and Tuesday, when Mr Anderson's season positively closes, ti charming musical frivolity in "Monta Carlo," by George Dean, will be staged. "What is promised is, strictly speaking, a vaudeville performance on a big scale, with a delightful musical sketch running through. Miss Marie Campbell will appear in an olio of comedy excerpts, introducing, with full chorus, "Meet mo at St. Louis"; the Musical Gardners, in a musical sketch, "The Ratcatchers"; Mr Fred Graham and Mis 3 Nellie Dent, in the successful comedy "Packing Up"; Lennoii, llyman, nnd Leu--11011, and Morris mid AVilson, in new acrobatic feats; the Bicknells, in their great sensation, "Dresden China."; the Gothams, in mirth and melody; and all the other performers in something new and entertaining. " Monte Carlo" should draw big houses during the three nights it is to be staged. " TIIE WORK GIRL."

Mr Anderson's Dramatic Company mff commence a season at the Princess Theatre .pn Wednesday evening next, the initial production being "The Work Girl," a melodrama very much out of the ordinary run of sensational plays. "The Work Girl" will be produced with all the completeness which has been associated with Mr Anderson's former productions. It contains all the elements of a successful 'comedy, and is at the same time full of sensational incident. In the course of the drama some really line scenes will he introduced—namely, "The Red Lion Inn at Tooting," " Black Friar's Bridge at Night," " St. Martin's Charing Cross," and others. It will he produced for three nights only, and' will be followed by the military drama, " The Ladder of Life," which met with such phenomenal success here some three years ago. The box plan for "The Work Girl" opens at the Dresden to-day. Popular prices will be charged throughout.

CONCERT AT NORTH DUNEDIN. In addition to a number of other items, llie sacred cantata " The New Jerusalem" was given in St, Stephen's Presbyterian Church last evening by the choir, and the entertainmcnl was a meritorious one in every respect, reflecting the greatest credit on that most indispensible institution in connection with church work, the choir. If there was anything lo find fault with in the programme it was because it was rot long enough. The cantata opened with the chorus "Jerusalem on high," which was effectively rendered throughout, with the exception that the basses were slightly at sea in the moderato movement. Of the other choruses, "There is a land," and the concluding chonls, " Salvation lo our God," camo in for specially fine treatment at the hands of those responsible. Tlio duet "There is a blessed home" was most faithfully rendered by Misses Grant and Chalmers, and this proved a charming item, the exquisite blending of the ladies' voices bsing quite a treat to listen to. The singers in the linet "There is a river" did not appear to so great an advantage. Miss Frances Grant contributed the solo " What are these?" the item receiving artistic treatment; and Miss Chalmers the contralto recitative and solo, "Lord, who shall dwell," and "Oh, bow amiable." This lady's vocalisation was most satisfying, this particular contribution being distinctly good. Mr E. T. Lawn was highly successful in his respective numbers, nnd was heard to tho best advantage probably in the bass recitativo and solo " And a voice came" and

Blessed city." All Mr Lawn's contributions, however, proved most enjoyable. It was found necessary to get Mr J. Bewley to take Mr J. M'Donald's solos owing to the indisposition of the latter gentleman, and, under tho circumstances, the soloist acquitted himself with credit, his solo in connection with the " Holy, holy" chorus being in the best of taste, and in conjunction with this fine chorus proved thoroughly enjoyable. The unnccompimicd quartet " There is 110 night in heaven" was rendered by Misses Grant and Chalmers, and Messrs Bewley and Lawn. As a whole, the rendition of the cantata was, as stated before, a crcditble piece of work, and for his sharo in llio production Mr It. Knyc Jlacfie, tho choirmaster and organist, is to bo complimented. A number of independent items were contributed. Miss L. Himmell gave an artistic rendering 011 the violin of tho " Rondo" senato by Mozart. Mr Lawn's son" "God's slumberland," Mr W. 11. Mackenzie "The holy shrine/' and Mr Bewley " The song of angels." Tho lady vocalists wero Miss Chalmers ("The gentle Shepherd") ami Miss Grant (" Light up the world"). Mr Macfio piayed all the accompaniments irreproachably, and also contributed the organ solo "Prcludo in D (Kinross) while tho collection was being taken Prior to tho concluding item, the Rev. I. K, M'lntyre expressed tho indebtedness of those present to the members of the choir and the soloists, to whom he conveyed the heartiest thanks. The evening had been a profitable and pleasant one, and the cantata, itself afforded a very beautiful service.

FAREWELL SOCIAL. A social gathering was hold in Wesley Church, Cargill roiul, last .night, when members and adherents of tho church met to say farewoil to Mr and Mrs Develin. who have long been connected with the church, prior to their departure on a trip to the Homeland. Tho schoolroom, where the function was held, was nicely decorated with flags, etc., and tho proceedings wero very hearty and quite enjoyable,. Tho principal item of tho evening was the presentation to Mrs Develin of a ladies' dressinp-ense, which was handed to her by Mr J. B. Shacklock, circuit steward, on behalf of the members and adherents of the church. Mr Shacklock made reference, among otlier matters, to the prominent part that the guests had taken for a long time in the work of the church. An impromptu programme of song and recitation was contributed to by Mrs Gilmour. Mr W. CI. Core, Miss Heather Smith (a little tot, who gave a recitation very sweetly), and others. Speeches, brief and appropriate, were given by the chairman (Rev. T. Troslrail), Messrs t. Smith, E. Dowland. E. Aslin, and Mrs Rosevoar, and Mr Develin, on behalf of Mrs Develin and himself, made a suitable reply, in tho course of which bo thanked the donors very heartily for their kind gift to his wife. Refre--hme>>ts were handed round by tiie ladies of tho church, and a pleasant evening was brought lo a close. MILITARY CARNIVAL. A very satisfactory report was presented to the conibined uipetiiig of j,he members of the Dunedin Engineers, Dunedin Garrison Band, and Ivngineer Cadets as to 1 lie progress nnule for tho military carnival lo bo held during tho winter show week. The sewing classes Jtavo already prepared a large number of articles. Photo flames, pipe racks, and a number of useful articles are being manufactured by ex-members and niembers of the companies. A large number of private contributions have been received, and altogether the stalls are likely lo be full to overflowing. Rehearsals of the dances are being carried on by Miss Ilamaim. In the grand military march representatives of all the city corps will take part, and the spectiiclo should be a brilliant one. A series of special (lances has also been arranged, one of which is undertaken by young ladies dressed as " Daughters of the Regiment." and the whole will form an extremely prettv spectacle well worth seeing. A grand tableau will conclude the dancing for the first part of tho evening. Willi the kind permission of the Otago Daily Times Company, arrangements have been made for the necessary power (o i run the electric light during the period of the carnival, and this will greatlv enhance the effect produced by (he performers. The tickets (which have been widely distributed) arc selling freely, and. generally the promoters have every reason for being sanguine as to the success of the carnival.