MUSIC

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXV, 17 December 1898, Page 783

MUSIC

-and grama.

Owing to the bad weather the attendance at Herr Hoppe’s concert, which was held in the Sydney-street Schoolroom, Wellington, was rather a poor one. The concert itself was most enjoyable. I wonder these able musicians have the heart to undertake these concerts as it is so seldom that they have full houses, especially in the summer-time, when the evenings are so short. Herr Hoppe played several violin pieces in his usually good style, being especially good in Beethoven’s duet for violin and piano, the latter part being well played by Mr Robert Parker. The first item on the programme was Moszkowski's ‘Tarantelle,’ as a pianoforte duet, which was splendidly played by Mr Coney ami Miss Joan Parker. Mr Mozar, who is new to the Wellington concert-goers, ami who has lately come from Australia, and who is the happy possessor of a dear tenor voice, was heard to advantage in Balfe's ‘Come Into the Garden, Maud’ and ‘The Sailor's Grave,' both songs being enthusiastically. Encored. Miss Mee sang two sengs very well; Miss Putman and Mr Hales were also successful in their songs. Miss Irene Morris, a child of seven years, who played a violin solo with great correctness, was very much applauded. A few I noticed among the audience were Mrs and the Misses Parker, the Misses Koch, Mr and Mrs Butt, Mrs and Miss Mee, Mrs Courtney, Miss Toxward, Miss Gill and others.

The Picton Anfatenrs, under the conductorship of Mr Dobbie, have commenced rehearsing- ‘Pinafore.’ Tn all probability it will be performed for the benefit of the Picton Rowing Club. The Auckland Opera Club commenced its season in the Opera House last Wednesday. Both in the choice of the opera and in the time selected for their production the club seem to have been particularly fortunate. But, while there is no questioning the warm welcome which ‘The Mikado’ and ‘The Gondoliers’ are always sure to receive, it is questionable whether the Exhibition which the club anticipated would indirectly ensuje large audiences at the Opera House has not rather proved to be a disadvantage to the amateur entertainment. The public appear to find plenty of scope for enjoyment at the Exhibition buildings, and the result has been that the Opera House has not been so well patronised as one would have expected would be the ease. Still the club has had nothingvery serious to complain of. The houses have been fair and the audiences generous. In ‘The Mikado.’ to which the week ending this (Wednesday j evening has been devoted, the roles are taken by ladies and gentlmen w-ho played the parts when the opera was previously played by the club. Mr Archdale Tayler (Ko Ko). Miss Reeve (Katisha). Mr Edwards (Nanki Poo). Mrs Hopkins (Yum Yum), Mr Tracey Hall (Pooh Bah), ami Miss Lily Thompson (Pitti Sing) are all familiar to Aucklanders as the possessors of good voices, and in some cases no little dramatic ability. In addition to these there were in the east Mr Em I Keesing, who made a capital Mikado, Miss Boulton, and Mr Theo. Queree. Mr Tayler stands out from the others by virtue chiefly of his undoubted histrionic powers. In some of the most popular passages he was very successful indeed. Miss Emily Reeve was another of the performers who deserves special notice. She not onlysings well but acts well too. Mrs Hopkins makes a very attractive Yum Yum, arch and sprightly, and her singing is very pleasant to hear. An able orchestra under Professor Schmitt supplied the music, and the stage accessories and general mounting of the opera was all that could be wished. ‘The Mikado' will be succeeded by ‘The Gondoliers.’

In ‘The French Maid.’ Io be played by tin- Pollard Company in the Opera House shortly. Mr Fitz sings a new song entitled ‘Victory,’ which I am informed was received with great enthusiasm in the South. It is by Verne Whyte, and I do not suppose it is any breach of confidence to state that this is a num de plume assumed by

Mr Horace Stebbing, the well-known baritone vocalist, formerly of Auckland. The song is dedicated to Lord Kitchener, and is a record of his brave victory in the Soudan set to stirring

'I he musical ami elocutionary competitions in connection with the Exhibition seem likely to prove a great success, as entries in all classes are coming to hand freely. It is now pretty certain that the eonqietitioiis will be very representative, as entries are coming in from many parts of the Southern towns. Entries close on the llith inst., ami the competitions take place on 19th. 20th and 21st.

Mr U. Shannon, of Wellington, has been appointed advance agent for the Williamson-Woods Company, which visits the West Coast short I v.

At the recent performance of ‘The Amazons,’ given by the Wellington Thespians last week. Miss Katherine Hardy, who is at present staying with her relations, played the part of Lady Wilhelmina Belturbot. it is stated that Miss Hardy contemplates settling in Wellington permanently. The Maori opera ‘Tupu,’ the joint work of Mr Arthur Adams and Mr Alfred Hill, is to be produced in February.

Harry Rickards' Tivoli Company commenced its New Zealand season at Dunedin hist Saturday.

We tire glad to bear that a benefit is to be given in Wellington to the Perriers on Thursday next.

The ’Sign of the Cross' by the Knight-Ferrar Company is the attraction at the Wellington Opera House on Boxing night. Mr Durward Lely has been doing the States with Scottish Song and Story.

Among the works set down for performance next year by the Royal Choral Society of Great Britain are the fidlowing:—‘Messiah.’ with Mme. Albani as the star of the cast, Wagner’s ‘Tin- Holy Supper of the Apostles,’ Act I. of ‘ParcifaP and Act 111. of ‘Tannhauser,’ Elgar's ‘Caractacus’ and ‘The Ruins of Athens.' supplementary performances of ‘Elijah.’ ‘Messiah.’ ‘lsrael in Egypt,’ and ‘Redemption’ are also to be given.

‘Lord and Lady Algy,’ which is nowbeing played by the Broughs in Melbourne, appears to have made a hit.