Music

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXVII, 31 December 1898, Page 856

Music

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POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY. The Pollards were accorded a mannificent welcome in the Auckland Opera House on Boxing night. There was barely standing ground to be had in the building when the curtain rose on ‘The Gay Parisienne,’ and it was certainly one of the most amused audiences that has ever sat in the House. Detail criticism of this lightest of comedy, this whipt cream of frivolity and nonsense would be altogether out of place. It is a mere aggregation of light, sparkling music, pretty dresses, funny, catchy singings and sayings, and absurdly comical situations. The spirit of caricature and extravagance is let loose in all conscience and reigns supreme for the time. One laughs and enjoys it all, not because the wit is very smart. It is nothing of the kind. Hue the eye is captivated bypretty colours and pretty girls, the ear ny lively music, and one permits himself to fall into that lazy mental mood when anything and next to nothing tiekies his fancy. Of funny business daringly interpolated there is no end. Perhaps sometimes a little too much, but the critical are in a humour to forgive any- lapse in that direction, and the majority are not critical. The title role falls to Miss Gertie Campion, who is new to Auckland audiences. She is charming in appearance and has a vivacity of manner that suits the part to perfection, and carries all before it. Our old friends Mr Alf. Stevens. W. S. Percy, and H. Quealy, are all to the fore under guises of varying comically. Miss Maud Beatty, Miss Marion Mitchell and Miss May Beatty, who are also well known in Auckland were important factors in the entertainment and Mr Ernest Fitts should be mentioned for his admirable voice. "The Gay Parisienne' will run all this week.

At the farewell concert given to Miss Haise on December 16 in New Plymouth that lady was presented by the Committee with a silver entree dish and a purse of sovereigns, also with an address expressing the hearty good wishes of the public for her future happiness and prosperity in life. The Amateur Operatic Club presented her with another silver entree dish to complete the pair, and the Liederkranzehen gave her a silver tea-kettle. Miss Haise's pupils also presented to her a handsome piece of plate.

The oratorio ‘Elijah’ was given in the new Wesleyan Chapel. New Plymouth. on December 21, when Mr G. 11. White acted as conductor and Mr A. L. Cooke leader of a strong orchestra, Dr. Walker presiding at the organ. The soloists were Miss McAlpine (soprano). Mrs Burgess (alto), Mr Cousins (tenor), and Rev. A. Mitchell (bass). The choruses were sung bylift y voices.

Handel's beautiful oratorio ‘The Messiah' was given in St. Paul’s Church, Napier, on Tuesday, December 20th. The performance, which was most successful, was greatly enjoyed by an appreciative audience. Those who took the principal solos were Mrs Prime (alto), Miss Cameron (soprano). Mr Nicholls (tenor), and Messrs Slade and Martin (bass). All were heard to great advantage, and their rendering of the various parts gave much pleasure to those present. The choruses and anthems,especially-the* Hallelujah' Chorus,’ were also well rendered, and the voices, which were more than a hundred, were supported by a welltrained orchestra.

An interesting little concert was given the other day- at St. Columba's Convent. Waipawa, and the children of the school, who gave a long and varied programme, sang and played remarkably well. Several recitations were capitally given, and the Star Drill and the Iris Drill were splendidly performed. Even the very youngest, children took part in the entertainment, and their action songs were gone through prettily. Some of the children who performed were the Misses Fitzgerald. Shnnly, Hannon.. Moroney . Vickers. Crowley. Jones, Doherty, Evons.