AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14356, 28 October 1908, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

— •«>. — . MISS fRENE AINSLEY. Miss Irene Ainsley's second concert, given 111 His Majesty's Theatre last evening, proved an eminently enjoyable and successful musical event, the principals having every reason to be gratified at tho demonstrative appreciation accorded their efforts. Naturally endowed as she is with a voico of exceptional quality, Miss Ainsley has already made her mark as a singer, arc! has every prospect of yet greatly adding to 'liqv vocal reputation. Tho .development of a rather greater measure of that, personal quality in singing which, perhaps, inost'of all-appeals to an audience, is indeed ail thai is even now required to ensure hor a "phenomenal- s'ucccss on any concert platform. Of ![i ss Ainsley's programme con* tnbutiong Bohm's "StiJl as tho night," "Love's recompense," "Tho silver ring" (Chaminade). and Del Riego's "Love is a bird' 1 and "Happy song" wcro perhaps most notably meritorious and pleasing, tho fine notes of tho singer's lower register giv. ing special distinction to the German song. In "Love is a bird" tho singer's voice was well tested throughout its range, and rang admirably true. In sympathetic vein, Miss Ainsley was hoard to particular advantage in Barry's dainty number "In my garden,'' while her encore numbers included Annie Laurie," which satisfied even a Dunedin audience. Mr Hamilton Hodges was in capital voice, am 3 his hearers'found all his selections greatly to their liking, his recalls being numerous.' As a balladist Mr IfodgoG is finished and artistic in his methods. '■ Across tho far blue hills. Marie ' (Blumenthal) ,was rendered with all the requisite feeling which this fine song demands, and in Sergeant's heavy air "Blow, thou winter wind," the popular baritone gave a most effective interpretation. If, was in his lighter numbers, however, that Mr Hodges specially pleased the audience, such as "The Venetian song,"' Somerset's " On.o more" and Song of sleep," and Somerviltc's "Ballad of lciescs." Mrs Ernest Queree's contributions to the programme wove, the. pianoforte solo? "Mnrclic de Rakoezy" (Li-=t) and " Staccato Caprice (Vorgnch), her interpretation in tho tatter case earning her an imperative recall. Mrs Quereo also ably discharged t-ho duties of accompanist. 9 PRINCESS. THEATRE. Tho MacMabon-Oarroll pictures depicting Ihe Burns-Squires ficht and other sporting events attracted a large audienco last evening. The occasion was tho first appearance before tho public of the big Australian champion. Bill Squires, who prior to the presentation cf the pictures in the second half of tho programme gave a, most interest, ing exhibition of what constitutes work in training before a big figlht-. The champion received a very hearty welcome on his appearance. The whole series of pictures will be presented again tjiis evening, and tomorrow night, which will, owing to other engagements having to be filletl, be tho last occasion on which the pictures will be- shown. Bill Squires will give exhibitions on both occasions. "THE MIKADO." To-night at His Majesty's Thealre, local theatre-goers will be given an opportunity of seeing and bearing one of tho most popucomic operas of modern times-viz., "The Mikado," by llie Dunedin Operatic Society. This favourite work by the famous eollalirators Gilbert and Sullivan needs no introduction. It tins been played to crowded houses in every British city in. the world, and holds the record in many places for iti lengthy runs. On the present occasion the en.it ban been carefully anil well chosen, on r .l the performers are hacked up by a ohorus of unusual merit. A large and efficient orchestra, under the able eonduclorship of Mr Sidney Wolf will interpret tho beautiful music in a fitting manner. A quaintJapanrse ballet will be introduced under Hie direction of Miss May Black. Tile scenery from the brush of Mr Reuben Cole, leaves nothing to be desired, and' the stage will be dressed with gorgeous costnmw anil a profusion of flowers befitting the Land of llie Rising Sun. Patrons may be certain of having a capital night's entertainment. The box plan is fast tilling up, and early booking will be nccos-ary to save idisappointment. The management, has decided not to charge for early doors. WIDE-WORLD PICTURES. The Wide-World Picture Syndicate will reopen in the Princess Theatre 011 Friday night, whon a completely new series will be presented.