THE E.C A. CONCERT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1461, 15 November 1879, Page 19

THE E.C A. CONCERT.

The Early-Closing Association g.we their second concerl in tbe Garrison Hall onthe 7f,iii It was expected that the hall would .have been filled to overflowing! but this was not the case; The whole of the front eeats were taken upj and the gallery was wall filled, but the- lower end of the hall floor was somewhat bare. Last night's experience afforded a very good tsst c f wl>at it really takes lo fill, the Garrisn Hall. An audience that most other buildings would fit.d it 'difficult to accommodate has a fashion ci dwarfing in appearance in such a large hall as is the Gairiaon. The officers of the Aosociativji had gone to work as regards the concert ia a way that characterises them ia everything. They had left no atone unturned to deserve succeas ; had provided a high-cl(*ss i rogramine, and bad made sill the arrangements in connection with' the carrying of it out to't^e satisfaction of the public in a liberal and complete manner. Mr A. It. Kdsey acted as musical director, in which capacity he haa made quite a name for himself in this city. The promoters of- ihe concert had also to congratulate themselves upon having secured the services of Miss Tewßleyj whose pianoforte 80103 are far bayoud the ruii of amateur performances of the kind. Dunedin is indeed fortunate, as we^ithink we have al-j ready eaid more thanonce, in possessing a j..er^ former so capable a? is Miss Tewsley of infcer-j preting classical music of the highesty orderj Last evening "she was good enough to comply with both enc >re 3 dc-manded from her, and thus played four different (selections. These included a fantasia of airs fronl 1 "Lucia di Lammeri moor," a selection from Weber, "The Mooulight Sonata," and " Home, Sweet Home," in each of which Bhe charmed her hearers by the care, taste, and facility of her execution. Tha singers during tho evening were tho Misses [ Tunnycliffe, Webb, and Mollison, aud Messvs Babar, Dow, and Ivtsv'n. . Miss Tuunycliff.-! scored the success of the evening in the wnlli known "Darby and Joan," which she gave with peifect expression and feeling, aDd as an encore to this she favoured the audienco witSi the pathetic Scotch sang, "Tho Land o' the Leal," always received favourably. Mies Webb sang a couple of Bolts during- tha evening, but was heard to greatest advantage perhaps ia a duet with Mr Baber, "Poor Heart." Mias Mollison was fairly successful in the " Colleen Bawn " ballad, and later also in another solo. Mr Baber in the boatswain's iUUy, .' ' Stranckd," had a number which he gave with excellent effect, and he had to repeat the last verse. It

suited his voice ."perfectly.- Mr Low, certainly "the beat and sweetest tenor -we have in Dunedin, 'gave '"My Queen" most charmingly, and was warmly encored, in response singing ." The Message." With Miss Tunnycliffe he also contributed " 'Tel Rammenti." A featureof the programme was the " Pinafore " and " Sorcerer" itams introduced. From the former the most popular V BelJs " trio was selected, Mr Saber singing the music allotted to Sir Joseph, Miss Webb that to Josephine, and Mr Iveson tbat to the -Captain. Although itcertninly did not go with the dash with which we have been accustomed to hear it, yet it waß a performance deserving very considerable praise. Miss Webb seemed a little nervous, and improved towards the finish. Mr Baber was at borne, and rolled out his notes in a style not so far behind that of Mr Riccardi himself; while we were greatly pleased with 'Mr Iveson, and should gladly have heard hiasolo part over again. The quintette from the finish of the " Sorcerer " was also given,. Mis* Molliaon and Mr Low taking part in it in addition to those who sang the "Bell"trio. Perhaps one of the best items on the programme was the concluding item, "The Juierry ■Beggars," sung in excellent time and harmony by Misses Mollison. and Webb and Messrs 'Baber and Low. > -Taken .-altogethety the..-!con-cert was a decided • success, and the audience* went home thoroughly satiafied. ','■•■