THE ROYAL HAWAIIANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2984, 24 May 1911, Page 74

THE ROYAL HAWAIIANS.

The musical organisation known as " The Royal Havvaiians" now touring the Dominion, inaugurated a short season at His Majesty's '-Theatre on the 18th under most favourable auspices. The company, which numbers eleven members, including three ladies, had a most flattering reception, and gave evidence of an ability to entertain which quite delighted the audience. The attitude of the latter indeed was such that, before- the close of the entertainment Avas reached, the original programme of some twenty items had been expanded' to considerably more than twice that number, double encores being quite frequent. O'f the entertainment provided by the Royal Hawaiians, it is possible to speak in terms of most genuine commendation. In character it is peculiarly calculated to command popularity. The Hawaiians are a genuinely musical combination, and especially in their rendering of their native hermonies in their own tongue their performance is most melodious, artistic, and pleasing. They are efficient instrumentalists as well as capable vocalists, and the support they lend the soloists in chorus and in string accompaniment is quite a feature of their work. The guitar and mandolin selections by tha full company found great favour with (he audier.ee. The rendering of Hawaiian melodies, hewever, is after all the best feature of. their programme, these being characterised not only by novelty but a gracefulness and charm that must have surprised the uninitiated. The Hawaiian tongue is evidently of a melliflucusness admirably adapted to musical expression, and the almost entire absence of the guttural note was agreeably welcome. Under the circumstances, it was scarcely surprising that when the vocalists came to sing in English they hardly appeared to the same advantage. In the great majority of cases these native airs were of the slow, melodious order, and there is no question as to their lending themselves admirably to the vocal and instrumental treatment they received. The voices of the singers arc of good quality, blend well, and are nicely balanced, and their work in concert gives evidence of capable and successful training. Trueness and sweetness of tone contribute materially to the pleasing impression created. The concerted numbers rendered in English were evidently selected largely to suit popular taste, and certainly achieved this result. Their variety, too, like that of the contributions of the soloists, bore testimony to the versatility of the Hawaiian® and the extent of their repertoire. The double male quartets evoked demonstrative recalls, especially the humorous medley providing barn-yard imitations. Among others were " My Ucsary " (Nevin) and " Annie Laurie." Amon«i the unusual number of items which the Hawaiians generously rendered a few ougM not to- escape more special mention. These included the solo "Kihene," by Mr J. Kamakani, whose effective bass voice delighted hi? hearers; the ballad "Daisies," by Miss Keala, mezzo-soprano, who was more particularly happv in her encore number "In Honolulu"; the "Song to Hawaii" and the ballad _ " Garden of Roses," by Mr Ernest Kaii, who uses a pleasine; baritone voice artistically; and' the bass solo "Jvokohi," bv Mr H. Kaeo. The tenor of the company (Mr T. J. Carter) has a voice of excellent quality and range, anrlwas heard at his best in the pretty number "Punalau." The sentimentality of his several other contributions was somewhat oppressive, though the audience ap-

pea red to enjoy it. Very demonstrative applause was deservedly bestowed upon Miss Keala and Miss Anehila for their refreshing duet " Sweet Lei Lehua," Miss Anehila showing herself the possessor of a rich oontralto voice, containing some very fine notes. That she is evidently the comedienne of the company warj manifested in the encore duet given, which elicited a doublo recall. The humorous items, including coon tongs, of Mr H. Kailimai were more than well received. The members of the company all wield the-guitar or mandolin to advantage, but their expert in this direction is Mr E. Kaai, who contributed solos on each instrument, his mandolin selection being a particularly skilful and finished performance. The guitar quartet, " Helo march," by four other member® of the company, was a very artistic contribution. Mention must not be omitted of the concluding item on the programme, the " Hula dance," presumably of ancient Hawaiian origin. Assisted by a taking vocal and instrumental accompanist, the dance, as performed by Miss Anehila and Madame Etala in native costume, proved attractive and interesting, and, thanks to the former lady, amusing.