ST. KILDA BAND CONCERT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21264, 19 February 1931, Page 6

ST. KILDA BAND CONCERT.

AN ARTISTIC OFFERING. Another effort was made last evening by the musical portion of the city to supplement the Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund through the medium of a concert in the Town Hall. On this occasion the prime mover in the matter was the St. Kilda Municipal Band, which not only occupied a prominent place in the programme, but had enlisted the services of several of the leading musicians of Dunedin in a deserving cause. The chair was occupied by Mr C. H. Hayward, the Mayor of St. Kilda (Mr J. Beattie) also being present. The audience was a fairly large one. and was delighted with what was a very fine concert. The band had taken upon itself the duty of providing the greater part of the music, and wag first heard in “Nearer My God to Thee,” which was played in the devotional spirit necessary to success. It then played a test march that could not fail to meet with favour from any audience. The test selection that was to have figured amongst the items in the Wellington band contest, “The Mastersingers,” was very successfully performed. There was never an instance of one portion of the band overshadowing the others, and the manner in which the item was played was thoroughly appreciated. The finale was brilliantly rendered. Elgar’s “ Severn Suite ” was another example of superior playing, and was remarkable for its crescendo and diminuendo work. Finally the band rendered with true martial spirit the concert march “ Punchinello.” The band was conducted throughthe evening by Mr James Dixon, his direction being excellent. A cornet solo, “ Softly Awakes My Heart,” played by Mr George Christie evokdd warm applause, and later a second cornet solo was very ably contributed by Mr V. Aldridge, another member of the band. The seleetiofa, “ Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer,” from “ Lurline,” was beautifully played, the intricate variations being very ably presented. The test quartet, “ Euryanthe,” was rendered in finished style by Messrs G. Christie, C. Smith, W. Smith, and C, Miller, and was one of the most pleasing instrumental numbers heard during the concert. There was also heard a trio, “ Sigurd,” for violin, ’cello, and piano, which, from an artistic point of view, was a decided feature of the concert. The violinist was M. de Rose, the ’cellist Mr Lloyd Hunter, and the pianist Mr A. Pettitt. The trio was beautifully rendered, and was conspicuous for its artistic treatment. The audience was favoured with the opportunities of hearing the talented vocalist Signorina Graziella Rossi, a soprano of rare merit. Xh e signorina first sang “Ritorua Vincitor,” from Verdi’s “ Aida,” and created a great impression on her listeners, and subsequently gave “ One Fine Day,” from “ Madame Butterfly,” which was equally well rendered and just as well received. Signor Stella, a well-known Dunedin vocalist, sang Massenet’s “ Elegie,” to which a violin obbligato was supplied by Miss Anna Briasco, and towards the end of the evening rendered Tostelli’s “ Serenata ” with excellent effect. In almost evei’y instance the performers were required to make a second appearance. The accompanists were Signora Martinelli Reggiardo and Miss Kathleen Whelan, both carrying out their important duties very satisfactorily.