AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18790, 26 May 1923, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

HIS MAJESTY’S. MUSIC AND PICTURES. A DELIGHTFUL COMBINATION. In his speech at the recent Royal Academy banquet the Prince ot Wales declared that he did not for a moment believe that artistic and industrialist development were necessarily antagonistic. In giving expression to his broad-minded sentiment the Prince, we believe, has made vocal a great thought,' the significance of which has yet to dawn upon the popular mind. The I belief in the necessary antagonism ' of art and industry will not be completely uprooted and destroyed until the people—the great mass of whom are workers in the industrial ; field—have been taught to realise : the truth of the Prince's implied de-' duration that the joy which springs | from the beautiful in art and music '■ is the rightful heritage of the multitude, and not the exclusive privilege of a class. Laszlo Schwartz, the Hungarian violinist-composer, who played for the first time to an enraptured Wanganui audience at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, is one of the cosmopolitan missionaries of the age, who is striving to reveal to the people of the world the beauty and the grandeur of their neglected musical heritage. At once master and lover of his art, he throws the full force of his com pelting personality into his task, and draws from his violin such an appeal of sweet and entrancing mclo- , dies as cannot fail to convince the most stolid of his hearers that if this is Music, then music is indeed a boon to be desired. As Mr Paul Latham, the manager of His Majesty’s Theatre, said in introducing Mr Schwartz and his talented associate to their first Wanganui audience, the occasion marked a unique departure, a notable advance in moving picture enterprise. When > he took over the management of the threatre some ten months ago, it was his ambition to see that their patrons not only got the best pictures procurable, but that they should also be occasionally afforded the opportunity of enjoying the work of the best vaudeville artists to be found on the New Zealand stage. Patrons of His Majesty’s would admit, ho thought, that during recent months the vaudeville specialities with which their programmes had been varied had been of a standard warranting his claim that in that respeefbis ambition had been realised. That evening they were advancing a step further, from vaudeville to classical milsic. It was an experiment which he believed had not hitherto been attempted in the Dominion, but he believed it was an experiment which would be appreciated by the people of Wanganui as marking the evolution of the motion -picture enterprise towards a closer affinity with the best in art. Mr Latham’s eulogy of the two brilliant artists who were to weld the first link in this new alliance of pictures and music was fully justified by the artists themselves. The miniature concert programme which they provided was in every way delightful. Mr Schwartz literally fiddled his way to the hearts of the people. He played first a series of selections typical of Hungarian folk music, then a spirited rhapsodic impromptu by Rado, and, later, a “Gavotta” by Gosse, a melodious Dutch Dance, and a Hungarian Fantasy of his own compositions. To the double encore, which testified to the pleasure afforded by every number the artist generously responded. Miss Etta Field, the gifted young New Zealander whose talent is familiar to city patrons, scored an instant success with her soulful interpretation of the aria from “Caval-' loria Rusticana,” for which she was thrico recalled. Equally pleasing was her singing of “Children, Children” and “Why Do I Love You So,” two dainty songs composed by Mr Schwartz. Her concluding number was Maschssoni’s setting of “Ave Maria,” with violin obligation played by Mr Schwartz. Miss Field, too, generously responded to the vociferous recalls which her brilliant vocalisation evoked. Miss Ethel Bignail carried out the duties of accompanist very efficiently. A thoroughly enjoyable concert was supplemented by an entertaining picture programme, including a peculiarly appropriate star film entitled "The Passionate Pianist.” PICTURE MATINEE TO-DAY. A double feature programme will be screened at the matinee this afternoon. “Fifty Candles,” with Marporie Daw in the lead, and “The Concert,” with Lewis Stone and Myrtle Stedmen, will be shown. A Lloyd Hamilton comedy will also be screened. The usual matinee concession prices w'ill be charged. It should be noted that Mr Schwartz and Miss Field will not appear at the matinee. RECITAL. GIRLS’ COLLEGE HALL. Mr and Mrs J. W. Bailey will give their first students’ recital on Monday and Tuesday evening, June 4 and 5. The programme, containing selections from Shakespeare and Longfellow, and character recitals, monologues, and humorous recitations, should prove very entertaining. Mrs Bailey will sing several songs, and, with Mr Bailey, take part in a laughable sketch entitled “Another Pair of Spectacles.” In costume Mr Bailey will render “Orange Blossom." An excerpt from Pinero’s farce, “The Schoolmistress,” and a short play entitled “After the Play” will be given by the students each evening. It will be advisable to book seats early. The ladies who are taking part in the “Elijah" oratorio are reminded that the practice on Monday evening will be held in the Central Hall, Guyton Street. All are requested to be present for that practice.