Benefit Concert

Southland Times, Issue 11455, 14 May 1890, Page 3

Benefit Concert

« The promoters of the concert in aid of the family of the late Alfred Bennett, who was accidentally killed recently, must have smiled with satisfaction yesterday evening when they beheld the large, enthusiasDic, and fashionable audience that assembled in Ramsay's Hall, with the object of endeavouring to assist the bereaved family, and at the same time to have a thorough evening's enjoyment. A classical programme consisting of solos— instrumental and vocal — quartettes, trios, and duets bad with much taste been arranged, and to Bay that the performers acqoitted themselves in keeping with their reputation is to pay a small meed of praise to each. The concert commenced with a vocal quartette by Miss Daisy Howell, Miss Grigor, Mr C. Gray, and Mr J. L. Watson. The harmony produced was first-class, and it is needless to say the singers were applauded and encored. Dr Warren having favoured the audience with a song in fine style was followed by Miss Innes, who contributed '•The Castle Gate," with organ obligato by Mr 3.i cli. Watson. This lady's rendering of the^piece was almost perfect. A trio for piano, violin and 'cello by Mr C. Gray. Dr Macleod and Mr J. J. Zimmer respectively was fairly successful the former player throwing considerable power into his part. The Rev. J. Evans delighted the audience with a reading and Mr H. McDonald did likewise with his song "The Last Watch " his melodious voice being much appreciated. Miss Daisy Howell fairly worked her hearers up to a state of enthusiasm by her solo "Serenade." An encore was persistently demanded,- and the young lady graciously responded with another gem. A luting conclusion to the first part of the programme was a violin solo entitled " Hommagea Paganini " by Miss K. Dickinson. This, without doubt, carried the palm of the evening in the instrumental line. The young lady's bowing was clean and' graceful, her notes in the " shifts " ringing with the resonance of a bell, and her fine execution was much admired. The performer in resporise- to a unanimous recall contributed another sweet melody. Miss Burnes was 'encored for her piano solo, as was also Mr J. Taylor for his song " The W olf," his deep bass voice being heard to great advantage. ' Miss Grigor, another favourite, was successfull in her solo "The Eastern Gate" the song being sung with perhaps rather much pathos. An encore was cheerfully complied With. A string quartette followed, the instrumentalists being Miss K. Dickenson, Dr Macleod, Mr J. Blue, and Mr J. J. Zimmer. The several parts were well sustained, the tone of the first violin being rich in the extreme. " Hybrias the Cretan " was given with much spirit by J. L. Watson, and a duet by Dr and Mrs Warren was also an enjoyable performance. The entertainment was brought to a fitting conclusion by Miss Daisy Howell's warbling of "Salve Maria," the 'audience fairly hanging on each note. ;It is needless to add that all went home voting that they had spent a most enjoyable Evening. '' . Mr C. Gray kindly lent a grand piano and organ— both fine instruments — the same , 'jjeiitleinen playing the accompaniments in finished sfclye. The room was made cheerful by the use of Chinese lanterns, and a number of gay flowers were placed on the platform.