Opera House.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11734, 12 September 1902, Page 4

Opera House.

WANGAiNUI ORCHESTRAL CLUB. The second concert of the season given by the Wanganui Orchestral Club was well attended, although the weather was calculated to keep all but enthusiastic musicians at home. , There were five orchestral numbers, all of which were creditably performedl. Avb&ifs overture to "La Sirene," like all the music .of this composer, is bright and tuneful!', and for-a novelty was nicely interpreted. A more ambitious selection was the "Surprise Symphony in G" by Haydn, which showed careful rehearsal, was wellli appreciated, and was greeted with prolonged applause at the conclusion of the last movement. The selection from "San Toy," another novelty, was a little ragged in parte, but, on the whole, was nicely played. The best number- of the evening was, we think, the two "Spanish Dances" (N,os. 2 and 5), by Mosikowski, which was rendered with crispness and precision. Sousa's lively march, "The Captain," was a capital number to finish, up a good programme with. The solo work Aras entrusted to Misa Delves, Mr. Slade, and Mr. E. Gilby. Miss Delves contributed! two songs, "O Diy Those Tears" (Teresa del Riego) and "Life's! Lullaby," by Lane. This young lady was in excellent voice, and evidently -enjoys a large degree of popularity. She was encoired after each appearance, responding to the second! recall by repeating the last verec. Mr. Thomas Slade was favourably received on his first 'appearance before a Wanganui audience. He has a well trained', although somewhat light, baritone voice, and contributed the recitative and aria, "Rage Thou Angry Storm" (Benedict) and "O" Ruddier than the Cherry" (Handel).,. He; wad encored for the latter, and in response sang "Down Among the Dead Men." The only instrumental soloist was Mr. E. Gilby, whose violin solo, "Allegro Bi'illiant," displayed considerable mastery over his instrument. He has a nice tone and facile execution, and we'venture to think is destined to take a prominent place among our local violinists; The applause he received was equivalent to an encore. The acepmtpaniments were in the capable hands of Misa Gilby andi Mr. Henry Collier. Mr. Herbert Collier, the conductor, may againl be congratulated on the degree of proficiency acquired by the amateurs over whom he wields the baton. '