WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 72

WING WHISPERS.

By

Peter Pan.

AA’ELLINGTON, Alay 10. D' l - ar “Pasquin,”—Aloiseiwitsch, the brilliant pianist, will be our next big attraction in the musical line. The poet of the piano, as. Benno has been called, comes, with an international reputation that is remarkable. He is still a young man, and he has probably the best technical skill, affection and feeling for music, vital touch and exquisite tonal capacity of any of the younger of the world’s great pianists. Aloiseiwitsch comes under the direction of Alessrs J. and N. Tait, and he commences a three-nights’ season here on Alay 24. Dunedin will, of course, be given the opportunity of hearing this brilliant pianist.

Foreign-°ounding names are becoming quite usual with us. At the same time that Benno Aloiseiwitsch will be playing here, in the’ big Town Hall, Aloscoviteh, the -actor, will be stirring lovers of drama in “The Ringer” and “Thu. Terror.” The dramatic season commences on Saturday next, and will be well advanced before the. advent of the famous Benno. The Wellington Competitions Society has appointed its judges for the festival for 1928. Air G. Vern Barnett, of Sydney, for vocal and instrumental; Air Brunton Gibb, also of Sydney, for elocution; Aliss F. E. Emery and Mr J. C. Fulton for dancing; and Aliss Blackburne for country dancing. This year several novelties are being introduced, including mouth organ solos, string quartet work, business firms’ choirs, church choirs, and country dances, the latter for the first time in New Zealand. They are a feature of the English festivals. . Noel Coward’s popular play, “ Hay Fever,” as played by the Wellington National Repertory Theatre Society recently proved divertingly amusing, and was notable for the excellence of the performance by Airs John Hannah as the ex-actress, Judith Bliss. As the flapperish mother of a bunch of eccentrics she magnetised to herself most of the action, and gave a steiling performance. The Coward play is cleverly conceived, and the members of the society seemed to be in complete accord with the author’s meanings. The supporting cast comprised Airs D Fawcett, Miss Helen Thompson, Aliss Kate Stocker, Airs G. E. Hunter, Alessrs O. N. Gillespie, AA'. S. AVauchop, R. E. I’ope, and Air Norman Byrne. Air Harrison Cook produced the comedy, which went well for three nights. The C.T. Male Choir commences its 1928 season on Saturday night in the Concert Chamber in a programme that will surprise. Aliss Ngaire Coster, a mezzo, will assist; also Air Eggcrton I’egg. tenor; Air S. E. Roger, baritone; and Air AV. J. Kay, a cornet soloist. Air 11. Temple AVhite .conducts.

In view of the success of (he theatrical benefit concert in the Opera House last Saturday night a repeat performance was given last night before another large and appreciative audience. The proceeds go to the Sick and Benefit Society of Stage Employees, and the fund should considerably benefit. Local artists contributed the programme, among the most popular being Dave Aleredith’s Jazz Band. Aliss Dawn Assheton. assisted by Air Laszlo Sshwartz, violinist, and Air Clyde Bell, pianist, delighted a packed Concert Chamber on Tuesday in a programme of costumed folk songs that roused much enthusiasm. Aliss Assheton is a coloratura soprano who is equally -at home in operatic numbers, folk songs, and negro spirituals. She is a consummate little artist, and, with a fine voice at her command, is also a gifted interpreter. She talks with the face, and she wears the national costumes of different countries like a native. She gathered together the songs of joy and sorrow of many countries, and her programme embraced Hungarian and Aliddje European folk songs, Spanish, Oriental, and East Indian. Then she. donned Alaori mat. and sang “ Waiata I’oi,” and simply had the large house with her from beginning to end. The next night’s programme included Chinese and Japanese elements and negro spirituals. A delightful entertainment. The Fuller Follies continue to amuse large houses at His Alajesty’s. They will be followed by the League of Notions Revue Company; headed by Alike Connors and Queenie Paul, two old favourites of the Fuller boards who are sure of a warm welcome here.

Air E. J. Gravestock returned to Australia by the Alakura this week. Among the AVilliamsdn attractions for the near future are “ The Student Prince," “ Aladame Pompadour,” and, later on, “The,Girl Friend.”