AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13862, 27 March 1907, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

DTODDIK PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. Tho Diroedin. Philharmonic Society hafl every reason to feel highly gratified at the success of the. thiid concert of tiio present poason, which took place in tho Garrifon, Hall lust evening, for, although the orchestra set itself anUnibitious programme, it amply justified itsqlf by an excellent performanco in xery lnonv respect". There was a fairly largo and duly appreciative audience. Tho programme included the overtures "Bio .Moistersinger" (Wagner) and "Eidelio" (Beethoven) In the latter tho conductor (Signor U. Squarisel and the instrumentalists aohtcvod a distinct triumph, and the musio of the great composer was handled broadly and in a manner which gavo the pleasure to the audience. ' The opening, allegro, with, a unison iiguro for stnngs and! wood-wmd, was well rendered, though tho ■\iohns were slightly at vnn,ioce at times, and as the orchestra continued with tho succeeding movements, and particularly m tho Jong crescendo, which culminates in tho allegro with which tho overture proper begins,, it raised the pice high alrovo the mediocrity which not unusually characterises tho treatment of the rua9ter composer unfortunately. Altogether tho playing was a distinct success, and reflected infinite credit on the performers. In the Wagnerian overture tho society set itself a particularly difficult task, and hero also the overture was capab'y treated. Tno opening was truly dignified, the full tono of the wood and strings being fino indeed. Tin's was followed by a stately inarch in, full chords (representing the full liiocossion of tho guild), which was quit* equally well contubuted, but in tho ensuing agitated passages tho -work of tho orchestra, was somewhat confused at times, as was tho work of tho violins in the rapid slung passages in tho final coda. Throughout, tho ploying was marked by buoyancy of tone, and that it was appreciated was evidenced by the hearty approval with which it met. An item that was extremely popular was the " Slavonio dance, No. 1" (Dvorak), in. which, no doubt tho orchestra achieved its' inosil brilliant success of the evening. The qtuto alarming crosceudos and tho interwoven, delicate modulations alike were oleverly and beautifully treated, and tho resounding melodies of the piece wero admirably rendered also. Another very happy ohoico was the intermezzo "Moonlight music ■ (Laporte), which opened, with a pizzicato movement, tho contribution being for string! only, which was tastefully played and with, fino precision. Tho intermezzo is most appropriately called, and, as. ployed, expressed exactly what tho title implied. An "Andante cantabilo" by Tschaiokonsky and' the opening march "Potman" (Strauss) also had a place on the programme, and, almost unnecessary to add, wore fully appreciated. The vocalists at last evening's concert were Mrs A C. Loricg and l Mr Ernest T. Lawn. Mts Leung's charming vocalisation was heard to the fullest advantage in the valso song "Micite" (Aiditi). The vocalist was in the best voice, and an oncoro number was insisted upon, Mrs Loring contributing "Tho field of daisies" m an exquisite maimer. Mr Lawn sang "Melisaudo m tho wood" (Goety), and another song -was also immediately demanded. Of the individual contributions Mr J. Wallace's violin solo "Concerto mihtairo" (Bazzani) was ono of tho niose enjoyable;items, and was a treat to listen to throughout. The instrumentalist preserved a fine swinging tono in tho frequent double-stopping passages, and his playing throughout was marked by artistic consistency. His encoie number was ti serenade. The accompanists for the evening were Miss J. JftJeorge and Mr D. Cooke. The society proceeds to Christchnrch on Friday to appear in tb o concert hall .it tho Exhibition.

ALHAMBRA THEATRE. > Fullers' Vaudovaite Combination attracted a good house to tho popular Alhambra -Plleatro last evening, notwithstanding the many other counter attractions. The comedians of the company kept the audience in a simmer of merriment during their "rums," and tlie other artists in the combination were liberally applauded for their varied contributions to an excellent programme. Tho cntortainment this evening will be on tho sania lmea as last evening.'

"THE MIDNIGHT WEDDINfi." Whether tho lesulfc bo really attributable to Anthony Hope and his incomparable Prisoner of Zond'a" or not, the fact remain's that his creative influence and the thrilling romances of which that delightful play remains such a brilliant example seem consciously or unconsciously asserting tliemselve3 in the melodrama of the period. And it is stated, in no more forcible manner is this leprcsentcd than m the forthcoming production or "Tho Midnighb Wedding, which will be presented for the first timeill Duncdin at His Majesty's on Easier Saturday next. Tliero is as much difference, says a critic, between the strenuou°, picturesque, and highly dramatic play presented under {ho title of " Tho Midnight Wedding" and tho comparatively drab, sordid, and commonplace piose of the ordinary, drama of to-d-.v as there is between tho highly imaginative, forcibly written bcokftall novel and the police court reports of tho daily newspapers. Even if the dramatist lias let lug fancy rim liot, ho has hit upon a novel and appealing romantic theme, and! worked it out with a cunning and resource of a practised craftsman. That extraordinary sceno in tho first act, where Princess von Strri«bm» is married at midnight in the private chapel of her ajicestral oast'o to tlio nameless ndventmer who there "ba's in, craving s-mcluary from bis foe", attention straightway, which subsequent developments only enchain tlio more comp!etcly. A warm welcome is in store for Mr Harcourt Beatty. who makes his reappearance, since his leturu from America, with Miss Nellie Stewart Hr Beatty wni specially engaged for the part of Paul Vnlinw whilst in America. All tho oldi artists ,ull make their leappearance in prominent roles, whilst tho cnliro strength of* tho previous eombimlion, with the addition of several new English artists, will, support thes- principals. The plans for the first three nights of the season will open this mornin<- at°tua Dresden,

SACRED CONCERT. A sacred concert is being arranged for fio,d Friday Night m the Garrison Hall. Among the soloists are two who will make their first appearance before a Dnncdiu auaienec—nkmely, Miss Violet M'lnicsh (contralto, of Invcrcargill) and Mr Do Looza lienor, of Tmiaru). The programme will provide a musical treat, and a. bumper housa is assured.