DELIGHTFUL CONCERT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16375, 24 June 1927, Page 5

DELIGHTFUL CONCERT

TO HELP THE UNEMPLOYED A concert of outstanding merit, organised by Mr. Hoaili Hnlberf, i'hc talented Oisborne violinist, lo assist in the relief of the unemployed in the district, was staged ill .the City Hall last evening, but n was disappointing thai despite the fact that the programme was one of the best presented here for some time and that the proceeds were to be devoid to so worthy a cause, the attendance was a small one, the hull being only half filled. Otherwise the function was an outstanding sin-cess, the numerous excellent item* being received with great enthusiasm. The concert was opened by a short address by the Mayor. Mr. O. E. Annstrong, who expressed his deep gratitude to Mr. Halbcrt for his work in organising the function. As all were aware, the unemployment problem was an acute one in Oisborne tit present, and every day numbers of men called upon him in search of work. Hearing how matters stood, Mr. Halbcrt generously offered to organise :t concert, ell the proceeds of which were lo be devoted to the speaker's unemployment relief fund, and lie was much indebted to Mr. Harbert for his work. He also wished to express thanks to the contributing artists, and others who had helped. A spirited overture by Liphton's augmented orchestra formed an excellent- opening item to the concert programme. Mr. Halbcrt contributed n number of beautiful selections front his extensive repertoire, and quickly established himself as a violinist of exceptional merit, his items being the feature of the evening. His first bracket comprised "Slav Wedding Prayer and Feast" (Vikovnn), Minuet (Paderewski-Kreisler), and "Snake Dance" (Burleigh), three numbers of widely differing types, which moved the audience to prolonged applause. Next followed "Caprice" (Pnganini), '•Czardas" (Monti), and Homer's "Requiem," and these served to further establish the talented artist in the favor of the audience; Mr. Halbert's interpretations of several extremely difficult pieces were delightful, and his technique was flawless. Later in the evening he made another appearance, contributing "Rondo" (Burleigh),' "Allegro" (Ten Have), "Hungarian Dance" (Brahms), and "Spanish Caprice" (Snrasate). Several other excellent numbers were also included in the programme. Mr, W. Bigncll was extremely popular in two delightful numbers, " lie Heard l.jio Groat Sea Calling," and "Tom of Devon," while Mrs. Phil Barry's \oenl solo "Sing Joyous Bird," was warmly received. Miss Rita Sexton's sweet voice was heard to great advantage in two numbers, "May in My Garden," and. "Break of Day." and Miss 0. Panning's "Cnrtnena," and "My Mary Sweet and Brown,?' were followed by enthusiastic applause. Misses Sexton and Panning also contributed a charming vocal duet "Maytime.?? Miss fluid Hooper gave two most amusing recitations, "As | Says If Mrs. B" (in costume), and "Heard „,, the Beach," ami Miss _V. Haehariah's elocutionary item "The j Silent Wife of Alfred," afforded the 'audience much amusement. Mr. A. .T. Nieol ably fulfilled -the duties of slngi inager, and Mrs. Halbcrt and 'Miss X. Arnold played the accompaniments.