OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17074, 30 August 1917, Page 6

OPERA HOUSE.

VENETIAN ORCHESTRA'S RE-

CITAL.

That a numerically small combination of capable and enthusiastic musicians is sufficient to provide a delightful evening's entertainment was fully demonstrated at the Opera House last n:ght, when the Wanganui Venetian Orchestra gave, to a niguly appveciative audience, its second annual recital. From the pomt of view both 01 quality and v<aiety the j-ro^ramme presented was an excellent one. Teh orchestral numbers were well chosen and admirably interpreted nurler t-he able leadership of Mr Charles Sc.iilskv. Tt» result of careful training and studious and consistent practice was evident in every number, and the performers well deserved the enthusiastic applause winch their efforts evoked. The duet, trio, and quartette work was equally well executed, and constituted one of the most enjoyable features of the programme. Miss Violet Price and Messrs Yon Haas* and W. Shepley were associated in two trios for flute, concertina and piano—both dielightfully tuneful numbers; Messrs G. Buckley, and W. Shepley were heard to advantage m\ a spirited cornet solo; Mrs.' Hughes-Johnson and Mr Cha's. Schilsky contributed a pleasing duet for harp and violin, the latter being also responsible for a brilliant interpreta, tioii of Wieniawski's violin solo, "Legende," and an equally brilliant encore number. One of the most popular instrumental items of the evemhg was undoubtedly Mr Walter Shepley's concertina solo, "Andantino" (Lemare), for the masterly playing of which he was vociferously recalled. The vocal element was supplied by the Wanganui Male Choir Quartette (Messrs. 0. Kitson, J. L. Sperring, C. Wadman and C. Jensen), and Mrs. Grant. The Quartette gave a most pleasing rendering of Fould's harmonious conception "Gipsy Lifej" followed by a very pretty encore number, while Mrs. Grant scored a distinct success with Mascheroni's "Songs We Used to Sing," with violin obligato tastefully played by Miss Violet Price. The singer was rewarded with a beautiful floral tribute and an enthusiastic recall, to which she graciously responded. We heartily congratulate the Venetian Orchestra on th<J success achieved, which, we feel sure, will prove the prelude to even greater successes in the future.