Mr. A. Towsey’s Farewell

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue II, 9 July 1904, Page 47

Mr. A. Towsey’s Farewell

A CROWDED CONCERT. The most enthusiastic complimentary concert that has been given in Auckland during recent years was that tendered to Mr Arthur Towsey in llis Majesty's Theatre last week by the Auckland. Liedertafel and a number of the other musicians of Auckland, It was successful in every way. The theatre was crowded to the doors in every part, amt particularly in the dress-circle and stalls, and the music was provided by some of the best of the local talent. The reception accorded to Mr Towsey’ when he came forward to conduct the great orchestra, was very cordial, and after each of the concerted items he had to bow his acknowledgments of prolonged applause. It. was gratifying to those who cherish local art to find that, a man who has done so much for the musical life of the city as Mr Towsey. was not allowed to leave-the town without an adequate public recognition of those services. Mr Towsey lias raised his most effective monument in the Liedertafel, which ranks with the best, ia the colonies, and that he should have nursed that body into its present vigorous manhood is the most, eloquent testimony to his ability ami zeal ndditeible. The concert itself was very enjoyable, and the atmosphere of warm sympathy which pervaded the audience seemed communicated to the musicians. The Liedertafel were in splendid form, and their songs were given with all the talent for which, under Mr Towsoy’s tuition, they have been conspicuous. Their numbers were the "Hattie Prayer,” “Neeken’s Polska.’-' "In Vocal Combat,” and "Image of the Hose” (in which Mr W. Aspinall sang the solo very effectively), each of which was sung so well that the audience almost, insisted on an encore. The orchestra, which included at least 50 instruments, played by some of the best of our musicians, also played extremely well, the "Lohengrin” music especially being an artistic success; "Huy Blas” and Cowan’s incidental music to the "Yellow Jasmin” (“Language of Elowers”) were also finely rendered. The Wainta Quartette sang Kreutzer’s pretty part song, "The Chapel,” and were warmly encored. Madame Wiclaert gave an excellent interpretation of Gounod's “O Divine Redeemer,” her even voice lending itself to the rich tones of the prayer very nieely. She was recalled and presented with a bouquet of flowers, and as an encore she sang Dcnza’s "May Morning” very prettily. Madame Chambers has not licen heard to such advantage to herself for a long time past. She was in splendid voice, and every note in the difficult waltz song from Gounod’s "Romeo ami Juliet” was sung accurately and with a due recognition of its importance. It was a most artistic rendering, and she. was deservedly encored. She substituted Willeby’s pretty "When the Birds Go North Again.” Mr Frank Graham also shared the general warmth of temperament which the evening seemed to inspire, and he sang Pinsuti's "Queen of the Earth" with such sweetness as to be imperatively recalled, when he gave a still sweeter rendering of the line tenor song, “I’ll Sing Thee Songs of Ara by.” Mr J. W. Ryan, who has recently returned from Europe, where he had the advantage of tuition, sang with much dramatic expression Blumenthal's amorous "Thy Foo,” and being enthu-i--astieally recalled ho gave Guy D'Hardelot's "1 Know a Lovely Garden.” with distinct success. Mr Wilfrid Manning had a very good reception for his singing of "The Raft,” and he also was encored. Mr Geo. Warren delighted the audience immensely with the songs, "The Irish Walking Match” and the droll "Tired,” the second being an encore enthusiastically demanded. Mr Cl. Edward Poore played an excellent, flute solo. Gariboldi’s “Priere,” and as an encore a very pretty ’Serenade” by Tiitol. The accompanists were Mrs Jackson. Miss E. Holland, ami Messrs R. L. Hunt, T. E. Midgley, .Johan Wielaert and Geo. Warren. At the end of the contort a remarkable demonstration of enthusiasm occurred. The Liedertafel led the audience in singing “Auld Lang Syne,” and loud cheers for MrTowsey shook the building In-fore thn National Anthem concluded one of the best and most, enthusiastic concerts ever given in Auckland.