AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14917, 20 August 1910, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

MADAME CARRENO'S FAREWELL CONCERT. A largo number of lovers of music took advantage of the opportunity to hear Madame Carreno, the highly-gifted pianisto. in the Bums Hall last evening, prior to hot departure for Australia and South Africa. Madame Carreno's great power over, and perfect command of, the instrument-was made manifest in her opening seleotion, which was a fantasia by Mozart. Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," which followed', was a magnilicentlyplayed solo, the three movements being treated as only a.great pianisto such as Madamo CaiTono unquestionably is could treat them. The closing presto eon fuoco was tho one that perhaps created the most profound impression on the- listeners, and the playing of this movement must have been a revelation to students of the riiano. A tumult of applause followed its close, and-Madame had to return to the stage twice before tho audience was satisfied. Chopin's compositions figured in the next item, four of his works being played'. Tho Nocturne in D flat was remarkable /or the perfect treatment it received, and tho fine artistic conception of its requirements. The more delicate portions of the Polonaise in C sharp minor were exquisitely brought out, and the massive chords occurring at intervals worn delivered with imposing effect. The fairly familiar Waltz in D flat was crisply played, and the runs, which form a conspicuous, feature, were delightfully clear. This item tho audience evidently regarded with 6pecial favour. The music met with in the Polonaise in A flat, which was played by request, is of a class Madamo Carreno is peculiarly well qualified l to interpret, and iiothing better than her .magnificent rendering of it has l>ee-n heard hero. The enormous power she exercises over the piano was never bettor exemplified than in her playing of the polonaise. In Weber's " Concertstueck" Madame had tho assistance of Herr Be-nno Scherek on a second piano, and a notable feature of the performance was the perfect, accord of the two instruments. It was a masterly piece of playing, in which Madame Carreno showed splendid powers of exertion. A re-demand was responded to by Madame playing a delightfully rippling waltz. Tho last three items on the programme were as acceptable as anything that had preceded ■ them, ono reason Uoin" that they have become more or less familiar in Dunedin. Tho first, Bocchcrini's "Minuetto," was charmingly played, and there waa a delicacy of touch and a crisp finish about the whole performance to which it was a real pleasure to listen. Vcgrieh's "Staccato Caprice" was equally delicatelv treated, and an exceptionally ( fine performance of Gottschalk's "Tremolo," with an added' number by way of encore, concluded one of tho greatest musical treats it has been the lot of the people of Dunedin to hear.

FULLERS' PICTURES.

An excellent house was in attendance at H]a Majesty's Theatre last evening, ami the .pictures shown must, by their variety, nave appealed to nil tastes, and sent these present away thoroughly satisfied with the entertainment provided. One of the finest pictures presented in the present programme 13 that depicting the drill of a. Venetian fireman. The manner in which these men Juggle with ladders in scaling a walll is indeed l wonderful. A beautiful scenic view is given of Swedish Canals, and the power of the love of a little child is well shown in "The Angels of Dawson's Claim." From grave to gay. educative and scenic, the pictures at present showing at Fullers' embrace all these features, and it is quite unnecessary to remark that they are thrown on the sorecn in the most lifc-lilto manner. The quality of the musio played bv the orchestra is likewise deserving of mention. The usual two performances will be given to-day. ,

MACMAHON'S PICTURES. MacMnhon's Pictures at tho Alhambra Theatre continue to draw big houses, and the piotures of the exploits of the Kelly Gang seem to have hit the popular fancy.Tije pictures will be shown at a matinee this afternoon, and for tho last time tonight.

Commencing on Monday evening at this theatre, a return season of six nights of the enormously successful and already popular picturo_ drama. "For the Term of His Natural Life" will be commenced. The phenomenal success achieved by Messrs MacMahon and Carroll's biograph presentment of Marcus Clarke's historic work, not only in Dunedin, but throughout the whole Dominion, has caused the- management to play returns in each centre, and in the north their judgment was not at fault, the attendances being, if anything, larger than during the opening seasons. In Auckland they wci-o fined for overcrowding, and this on a night when four other picture shows were open in the city. Biographic-ally perfect, covering the main incidents o'f tho book, and described by Mr Alfred Boothman in a masterly manner, the picturedrama should ensure the renovated Alhambra being crowded during the short season. In addition to the sta.r attraction, there will be screened each evening a number of biographic gems, all entirely new to Dunedin. .Seats may be reserved at the Dresden.

BRYDONE SKATING RINK. The rink presented quite a kaleidoscopic appearance last evening, when a children's fancy-dress carnival was held. A largo crowd of spectators was present, and the floor'was well filled by juvenile skaters, representing all sort; of characters, humorous, historic, and imaginary. This is the

first public function of the. kind held in' Duncdin, and so successful did it provd that the management has been asked to provide a similar cntcrtainniont at a later date. The .prizes were awarded as follows:— Girls—Best fancy dress, Miss G\von< Mitchclt ("Powder and Patches"); best comical dress (an old lady), Miss Ruby Kcllett. Boys—Best fancy dress. Master Alfred Levi ("Knight of the Bath"); most comical dress, Master Tas. O'Brien. Smallest skater, Mori Otto (" Grctchen"). On Monday night the attraction will be a frog race, and (he following Friday will bo given oyer to a masqusvado—ladies to bo attired in white and gentlemen in black. M'DONALD'S PICTURES. Mr M'Donald will pay a return visit to 1 oil Chalmers on Monday e-veninc;, when,' in addition to the full programme, the Kings funeral pictures-will be repeated. DUNEDIN PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. The above society gives its third concert SB^S!i '" thc Garrison Hall on Friday next, The programme arranged is a most attractive one, and includes prologues to the opera "I Paglincci" (Leoncavallo): Mr J. Jago will sing riio prologue. Thc "Do Profundis and Funeral March" (SquarUe) is being repeated by special request, and tlto x Duaedin Licderiatel will assist in the performance of this item. "Overture di Ballo" (Sullivan), "Intermezzo Pan und Eoho," " March En Route" (Squarise), and tho usual light pieces for tho siring section mako up tho orchestral portion of the programme. Miss H. K. Walker, L.A.8., will play a violin solo, "La Figlia del Regimento" (Donizetti). Miss Violet Fraser is thc vocalist for this concert. FIRST CHURCH CHOIR CONCERT. Tho First Church choir will give a coir cert in the Burns Hall on Tuesday, in aid of' the church funds. For some time past the choir has had in rehearsal several part. songs,' and these give scope for very effective and expressive part singing. Solos will bo rendered by the individual membars, and an enjoyable evenirj may be ( expected. Mr Wallace will ccutributo two violin solos. The concert is under the direction of Mr Jesse Timson.'

CHURCH CONCERT. A social and concert was held at the Abbotsford Primitive Methodist ChuMhon Thursday night, the building being crowded. The Rev. E. Drake occupied tho chair, and gave a short address. Tho following programme was submitted and much enjoyed by the audience:—Solo, "The children's home," Miss M. Hill; recitation, "The Court-in,'"' Mrs Park; cornet solo, "Killarncy," Mr Dscr; solos, "The deep" and "True till death," Mr Tweed; recitation,. "James Conquest's wife," Miss Clifford; solo, "The gates of the "West," Mrs Wright; solo, "0, dry those . tears," Miss Burt; recitation, "Parson Gray" (encored), Mr GillaiKlers, who also rendered "Tha man from Snowy River"; solo, Mr Foster; soles, "Down the vale" and "A dream of Paradise," Rev, E. Bandy. Mrs Harrison, Misses Clifford and E. Hill act-jd as accompanists. During the evening a pie supper, to-which the audience did ample justice, was provided by tho gentlemen of the congregation. Tho chairman thanked all who had assisted, and tho proceedings concluded with the Doxolojjy.

■ C. & W. HAYWARD'SBALL. The annnual social of the employees of C. and W. Hayward, fiirnituro manufacturers, was held on Thursday night in the Early Settlors' Hall, owl proved ' a most enjoyable function, there being over fcO couples on the floor at the grand march. The firm was fully represented. During the evening songs were contributed by Miss I. Sutherland, Messrs C. Moss, and R. A. Sutherland; A recitation was given by Miss R. Hayward, and a musical duct (violin and piano) by Miss M'lvor and Mr Cooper. The hall was tastefully decorated by Mr M'Laughlin. The music was supplied by Messrs Sullivan and P00.10'6 band, and the catering was done by Mr Kroon, iii his usuoj good style. The'M.C.'s were Mcwrs R, Walker, W. Wafch, and G. Goodwin,

ZINGARI FOOTBALL CLUB'S BALL. The Zingari Football Club held iis on. mial ball in the Art Gallery Hall Inst oven- ' ing, and it proved to be an/unqualified- ' success. There wore close upon 120 couples present, and the grand ihiarch. was led off' by Mr Simpson, president of the club. Tho hall was tastefully decorated, and the general arrangements refketed credit- upon'' those responsible. The catering was done bv Miss Murray, and tho music was suoj plied by Yates' band. The M.C.'s wore ■Messrs J. Graham, R. Abbott; C. Pcllewe, C. Bealson,, and A. Low, and the secretary was Mr W. Brown. Dancing was kept up till an early hour of the morning. .1.0.0. F. ANNUAL BALL. ' Tho annual" ball of the 1.0.0. F., South Otago District, was held in the Earlv Settlers' Hall last everting. The ball was tastefully decorated for tho occasion by P.G. Bro. J. M'Laughlin, and music was supplied by Cashman's land. There wore 85 couples present, and an excellent dance programme was supervised by Bros. Kilpatriok, Rosevear, J. Anderson, J. Masterton L E. Bathgate, and S. J. Pudney. During -the evening songs were given by P.G. Bro. H. Johnson, D.D.G.M. Bro. W Smith, P.G. Bro. T. E. Rosevear, and Bro. J. Finlay. The catering was in tho hands of Mr Kroon, and an enjoyable function was concluded shortly after midnight. MASTER BUILDERS' BALL. The annual ball of the Master Builders' Asssociation was held in the Victoria Hall last evening; and proved a meet successful function. As showing 'tho popularity of this yearly dance, some 140 couples were on tho floor, which at times proved hardly large enough for comfortable dancing. A large number of visitors from the allied trades was among these present. . Messrs W. M. Clark, A. M'Dougall, arid A. C. Cooper proved most cfliciont M.C.'s, while tho detail work was well looked a'ftcr by the joint secretaries of the social, Meters Frank Wilkinson and James King. The Major (Mr T. Cole) was present during tho evening, and made a few congratulatory remarks, and the president of the association (Mr Claud Thompson) also spoke. Ex- • cellent music was provided by Flint's band.