AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 17934, 30 July 1920, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

CESARONI- CONCERTS. A FINE COMPANY. Wanganui, with its local musical societies and a record of bestowing liberal patronage upon such societies, probably claims to be as devoted to music as any other town or city in the Dominion, and it will probably be offended when we remark that, it is not half as musical as' it claims to be. We base this statement on the meagre attendances which are invariably noted when any singer or instrumentalist of eminence conies this way. Visiting managers are unanimous in the opinion that Wanganui is, musically speaking, very weak. Naturally enough, they base their remarks on the box office receipts, for it is in such that any town's inclinations are reflected. The fact that the tram ■service is at present disorganised is insufficient excuse or apology for the sparse attendance at the Opera House last night, when Lucien Cesaroni and his very excellent company made their first appearance. Wanganui evidently does not desire to hear good artists. Those who attended, however, enjoyed a’ rare musical treat and manifested their appreciation by hearty and sustained applause. Cesaroni is a basso who last appeared in Wanganui with the Capelli Company two years ago. It is no exaggeration to say that he is one of the greatest bassos who has appeared locally. He is not only a splendid singer, but also a fine artist. It is not every who can lay claim to artistry. Cesaroni is on 3 of whom the dual imprint may be made. He is one who has thoroughly mastered the intricacies of voice production, and who not only may be termed a master of interpretation, but a creator of artistic renderings. His numbers last night were admirably chosen and skilfully arranged. The opening item, from Verdi’s opera “Ernani,” was followed by “O Sole Mio,” a Neapolitan aria which makes a popular appeal. Each of these numbers was in the legato style, and were very finely sung. The third contributio i was an aria from Mozart's “Don .'liovanni,” in which the treatment called for declamatory effort, am', her* again Cesaroni’s mastery was ■’.anspicuous. Schumann’s “Two Grenadiers" received a fine interpretation, the inevitable encore being “Vorrci.” It was probably in the aria “Haste for Vengeance,” from Don-iizr-tt i’s “Lucrezia Borgia," that Cesaroni was heard to the greatest ad ’a’.'age, for he displayed temperamen’jl qualities which previously were somewhat subdued. Throughout, Cesaroni was in splendid form, and sang in great style. Of the supporting artists, .Miss Gladys Vincent created surprise tfd delight by her skilful manipulation ot the violin. This young la.ly, nut yet fourteen years of age, revealed a rna-tery over her instrument which was really unexpected f“ore cue so young. The intricacies “fi'riniboarin Chinois” (Kreisler) and Samsate’s “Ziegeuerweisen” were mastered with surprising ease, white Saint Saens’ charming study, "Le Cygne,” made a pleasing contrast to the brilliant numbers just mentioned. “Bohemian Dances” and “Wiegenlied” were also played. Miss Vera Carew, the soprano of the party has a voice of much sweetness, even in its progress through the various registers, and admirably controlled. Miss Carew sang “The Flower Song” (Faust), “Fairy Voices,” Braga's “La Serenata,” with violin obligato by Miss Vincent, and “Babe of Mine.” M. Ivan Tarbeef. the Russian tenor. ] igesses a pleasing tenor voice of lyrre quality; which was heard to advantage in “La Donna e Mobile” and a Russian melody. Last to mention, but not least in point of artistic proficiency, is Miss Rosa Walton, the accompanist of the company. In addition to her undoubted skill in accompanying and her sympathetic touch,’ Miss Walton is also a clever exponent of songs at the piano, a feature of entertaining very rarely beard to-day. Miss Walton has a dainty and very charming personality, and her presentation of a series of numbers, all in varied vein, at once stamped her as an entertainer of rare merit and accomplishment. To-night the final concert will be given, when a complete change of programme will be presented. GOOD TEMPLARS. On Tuesday evening an enjoyable ■social was held in the Central Hall, the occasion being the visit of the Past Chief Templar, Bro. Geo. W. Andrews, J.P., of Ashburton. The District Deputy, Bro. F- W. Ansley, ■presided. There was a very good attendance of members, juveniles, and friends. Bro. Andrews was well received. and gave one of his interesting and stirring addresses on the Prohibition movement, specially referring to the success in the Ashburton district, and encouraging .both adults and juveniles to fight on to national victory. During the evening an interesting programme of music and songs was rendered, and a plentiful supply of refreshments was handed round, Sisters A. M. and F. A. Ansley being in charge. On the motion of Sisters R. Read and E. Dunstall Bro. Andrews was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his visit and address. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and three cheers for the visitor concluded a happy social.