STAGELAND.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 31 August 1908, Page 3

STAGELAND.

OPERA HOUSE BOOKINGS

Leidertafel

oeptember 2.—Wanganui Society. September 3.—Royal Picture Syndicate. September 9 and 10.— J. C. Williamson, "Humpty Dumpty." September 14.—Royal Picture Syndicate September 17 and 18.—Royal Military

Band of Great Britain. September 21—Royal Picture Syndicate September 24—D.H.S. Entertainment.

liV " MASQUE."

Haydn Beck, the wonderful child violinist, will give a concert in the Opera House this evening. As was expected, the Merrymakers gave splendid entertainments in the Upera House on Thursday and Friday evenings. They are a decidedly clever troupe, who know how to be funny and at the same time give a performance absolutely beyond reproach.

William Anderson has purchased a new play by Arthiir;Shirley,-called."The Gayest of the Gay." It is an exceptionally well-written' play;: and' in every way is much superior to most- present day melodramas. It; will be presented by William Anderson's Dramatic Company very shortly. Mr Edward Branscombe (who will be remembered as the organiser of the Westminster Glee and Concert Party) has several important London attractions which are booked to -visit the colonies during the present year. The first of these is a musical company known as the "Scar let 'Troubadours," being a party of society entertainers, and vocalists- (both."ladies.and geritlemen)j giving refined and novel musical performances in character, and costume, the music being for the .most part of a light and humorous order: •Airmngst the

party is an "art humorist," whose quaint; recitals, lecturettes, and songs, are illustrated by him whilst being performed in coloured crayons in record time, and in a most inimicable manner.

The " Scarlet Troubadours," who have already established themselves as prime favourites in Australia, are travelling to New Zealand by way of Tasmania, and are booked to give performances in Wanganui at the Opera House "during Show week. Those who remember the visit of Mr Edward Branscombe's famous Westminster Glee Singers, may safely look forward to a similar musical treat, on this occasion enlivened by the introduction of plenty of harmless merriment. Following the " Troubadours," later in the year will be the " Cherniavskis," three Russian boys, whose performances on piano, violin, and 'cello have recently called forth the highest ecomiums' from. London musical critics.

Welshmen, 7choral and musical societies seem to be alive to the importance of the coming of the Royal Welsh Male Choir, who are to^tour Australasia under the direction of J. and N. Tait, and we learn that in Australia some very big welcomes and receptions are being arranged for the Choir. This organisa tion has been formed some twenty-three years, having been established in 1885 by several Treorchy young men, mostly miners. After singing at various eisteddfdds for some years* the Choir won the Choral Blue Ribbon by annexing the National Eisteddfod prize at Llanelly in 1895. On that occasion, Sir Joseph Barnby, the eminent conductor of the Royal Choral Society, and the greatest authority on choral singing m the world, declared1 the performance of the Choir to be " the finest he had ever Jieard." After this the Choir devoted itself entirely to concert engagements, the nett proceeds in one year being over £3500. The greatest achievement came

when a special command was given to> appear before Her Majesty, the late: Queen Victoria, at Windsor Castle. It was on this occasion that the Choir (previously known as the Treorchy Male Choir) was given the exclusive right to use the title " Royal Welsh Male Choir." Tho Queen paid an appreciative tribute as follows: " What beautiful voices they have, and how delicately they are trained." The New Zealand season starts next month.