Grand Concert, Carterton

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2016, 12 January 1887, Page 2

Grand Concert, Carterton

The grand vocal and instrumental concert, to which so many have been looking forward in Carterton, was given in the Town Hall Ust night. There was a good audience, numbering about 200, and among them u number of the local musical celebrities. The platform was neatly arranged with furniture

suite, giving it quite a drawing room appear* I auce. The piano, kindly lent for the ev. ning,' was beautifully played by Miss Alice Windup,' a member of the widely known musical family. Though the instrument was in lure its lone was uot equal to the oveaahm. Mr C. D. Mackintosh, one of Wellington's leading musicians, acted as conductor, aud did it in his own quiet effective way. The opening piece was the quartette, " Call to Bemembrance," by Miss Bsndall. Mrs Mackintosh, Messrs J. Hill and J. Prouse. The parts were excellently balanced, and the quartette was well rendered. The {snrrosophone solo, "Je Bieve,” was given with capital taste. Many had never heard or seen this instrument before, but. wsrked by the strong lungs and fingers oi the player, it st once became a favorite. The ever fresh solo, “ Come unto Me,” from the Messiah, followed. Mias Randall sang this wilt admirable expression. Then the grand Bass

Solo. “ Absi I an,” wag sung most effectively by Mr J. Prouse. An encore was loudly called for, but in vain. The duet, “My Song shall be Always Thy Mercy." was sweetly given by Misa Bsndall and Mr Hill. Mr E. J. W. Widdop, a very promising young bass singer, then gave ihe well known song Resignation." He deservedly received, as did all the performers, loud applanse. •• If With all Your Hearts," a tenor solo by Mi J. H. Hill, followed with good effect. And then name the quartetle. •• All is Peace,” by Miss Randall, Mis Mackintosh, Mr Hill and Mr Widdop. This was exqnisitively rendered. After an interval of five minutes the secular part of the concert commenced The open - log piece was the clarionette duet, “ La Favorita,” by Mr Mabkiotoah, and Rev P. N Hunter. Mr Hunter was known to many as the conductor of Mr Thomas’ Cantata at the late Exhibition at Wellington. They wisl ed to bear him as an instrumentalist, and were not disappointed. The item went with spirit and wag a real success. Mr Widdop’s song which followed was a success. Then came the amusing piece of the evening. " The Sol Fa Duet,” given in place of the duet ” See the Land Appears in Sight." Mr Prouae as teacher, and Miss Randall as pnpil, were so good in this that there was a long continued call for their return, a call which was kindly responded to. The clear, cultured voice of Mr Hill was next beard to advantage in the song “ I Seek for Thee in Every Flower." Many were disappointed at not bearing the ( next advertised item, the flute solo ” William I Tell," by the Rev W. Hunter. They, how- , ever, heard with appreciation “ True to Death," a solo well suihd to the fine voice oi

Mr Pronse. “ Robiu Gray,” so well known and popular, was given in place of “ It was a Dream," by Miss Randall, and given as all her pieces are, with taste and expression. “ The Kiel Bow.” a clarionette solo by Mr Mackintosh, fairly carried the house away ; so also did a part of the solo " We Won’t go Home till Morning.” Then followed as the last item the famous duet, “ Love and War ; ’’ this went wilh spirit, though we thought a little too fast. We regret that with our limited space we cannot do more than give a brief resume of tbe concert. It was indeed a treat, such as the residents of Wairarapa have never before heard. All did wellMuch was expected from each petfoimer, all so well known by repute, and in no case was disappointment given. •’ \\ hat did you consider the gem of tbe evening,” one was asked at the close of the concert. ” I consider they are all gems," was the answer ; and they are. Though if one item deserves special mention it was a violin solo by the taler ted and promising Mr Alfred Hill. This was simply wonderful. The youthful appearance of the artist ; his complete conquest ot the instrument; the wav he made it thunder anil woo produced an excitement few had before felt. Those present would not have mis'ed bearing this item for anything. Rev Mr Ward in moving a vote of thanks to the distinguished performers, said truly that the concert had been one of beauty, and would remaiu in their memory a joy for ever. We can only add that those who bear the same

concert tonight at Greytown and tomorrow at Featherston, if they have the least music id them, will enjoy one of the greatest pleasures of their life. We observe that the Maateiton papeis apeak in glowing terms ot ills

concert given there last Monday evening. It evidently was aa great a success as at Carterton, and as fully appreciated.