WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XII, 23 March 1901, Page 561

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, March 14. The Opera House was filled to overflowing to-night on the occasion of Miss Kate Connell’s farewell concert, before leaving for Europe, where she is to continue her musical studies under the best masters. Miss Connell quite charmed her hearers with her singing, and it is evident that she has a career before her. She was assisted by a talented company—Miss Lorraine Tansley, Mr John Prouse. Mr E. J. Hill, and' Herr Max Hoppe, and there was also an item from a tiny dot of a child. Miss Irene Morris, a pupil of Herr Hoppe, who played two short violin solos bracketed, and quite astonished the audience. She was encored, and received floral tributes, of which she seemed highly pleased. Miss Connell’s contributions to the excellent programme were ‘■Tell Me My Heart’’ (Bishop), “Jour de Mon Enfance" from Le Pre Aux Clerks (Herold), and Grieg’s beautiful “Soloejas Leid,” and with Miss Tansley a “Lullaby’’ duet by Mattei, which was one of the best items I thought. For each of. her songs Miss Connell was loudly encored; in fact encores were demanded all through the evening, and were most graciously ’ responded to. I think the performer of the evening was heard at her best in “Jour de Mon Enfance,” Hie .florid- passages suiting her clear ati'd flexible voice to perfection. Mis’s Tansley sapg “Thou Art My SJon” (opera “l*rophet”) splendidly, and later’ on E. Corke’s “Why Must We Say Good-bye,” Her encore for the latter was a sweetly pretty little thing called “If All the Stars Were Mine,” which she sang very gracefully. As usual Mr Prouse was warmly received, and for his second song. “To-morrow Will Be Friday,” he received a double encore, and gave “Off to Philadelphia”' in grand style. Mr Hill sang “Doreen” (Allon) and “It Caine With the Merry May, Love” (Tosti), and he also was encored for each item. Herr Hoppe gave us a great treat in his faultless perform-

awe of Erchberg's Bolero Spanish Dance and an Andante by Emile de Sa u ret. He plaxed some lovely dreamy little air for his encore piece. It is some time since we have had such a delightful musical treat as this concert afforded, and Miss Connell should feel proud of her success, and we wish her every success for her future. The accompaniments were exceptionally well played by Miss Prouse and Miss W. Connell. Miss Connell wore a plainly made gown of handsome white silk with long tucked chiffon sleeves: her sister also vtore white; Miss Tansley was in cream satin, the bodice trim* med with lace and pink roses; Miss Prouse. a rich cream brocade gown with chiffon berthe. Among the large audience I noticed Mrs Levin, who wore a rich black .-alin and chiffon gown, the bodice sparkling with jet: Miss Sargent (England), pale blue and veiled with jewelled net: Mrs Seddon. a black silk gown trimmed with lace and jet; the Misses Seddon wore soft white gowns; Hon. J. G. and Mrs Ward, the latter wearing a black gown and long grey cloak bound with fur and embroidered with steel; Mrs Barron, black velvet gown with white chiffon and lace fichu; Miss Barron, a long red cloak; and Miss E. Barron in white silk trimmed with iace; Mrs Batham. all black; Miss Fitz Gerald. black silk with lace sleeves; Miss Fitz Gerald in white with lace on the bodice; Mrs Biss, a black gown with lace yoke and sleeves; Mrs Man tell, black silk trimmed with jet; Mrs Prouse. in i' black gown and cape: Miss Prouse, apale blue silk gown trimmed with velvet; Mrs Miles, dark green gown trimmed with white silk and lace; Miss Miles, white; Mrs Kendall, black velvet with while lace berthe; Mrs Tweed, black gown trimmed with lace; Mrs McCarthy, black gown and long grey cloak: Mrs Mount, black satin; Miss Mount, black with white lace fichu; Mrs McEwen, a pale pink silk blouse with white lace; Miss Me Kin tosh, pale blue silk; and her sister in pink; Miss Fitzherbert. a pink figured silk gown with lace; Miss Gore in pale blue with white lace fichu; Miss Harcourt, black skirt and pale blue and white blouse; Miss Harper (Christchurch) in black; Mrs Blundells black: the Misses Blundell in black gowns with white lace; Miss Sculley. green with ecru lace; also Messrs Harcourt. Barron, Cadogan. Fitz Gerald. Loughnan, Duthie, Man tell. DalzieH. Biss, Gore. Fitzherbert. Drs. Cahill and Kendall. Great interest is being taken in the polo match, which is to take place to-morrow at the Miramar Grounds, New Zealand v. Victoria. If only the weather is fine there should be a large number of spectators to see the mat-ch. OPHELIA.