Music & Drama.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 73, 17 December 1891, Page 1

Music & Drama.

Spectatum admisst rtsum teneati'i amici. ?

Miss Harding’s concert last week was in every way a brilliant success. The Choral Hall looked quite gay with tasteful decorations of flags, flowers, and foliage, and the seats were filled by a large and appreciative audience. Miss Harding, with thoughtful kindness, had sent invitations to the inmates of the Institute for the Blind. It was a pathetic sight to see them so thoroughly enjoying the one great treat which they can share with those who have so many other pleasures in this beautiful world. An orchestra of young girls and boys numbering upwards of thirty-five, including first and second violins, viola, ’cello, contra-bass, flute, oboe, clarionets, drums, triangle, and piano. Under the firm and steady beat of Miss Harding, and the excellent lead of Miss Maude Harding, the youthful orchestra gave a selection from Verdi’s “Trovatore,” in excellent tune and style, the incidental solos being capitally rendered. Mr. T. Jackson next sung Blumenthal’s “ My Queen.” He was not quite in his best form, but had to bow his acknowledgments repeatedly to an audience who, like Oliver Twist, wanted more, and did not get it. The trio from Sterndale Bennett’s “ May Queen ” was next effectively sung by Miss F. Harding and Messrs. G. Reid and Hudson. St. Quentin’s “Pensioners’ March,” by the orchestra, followed, and was crisply and tunefully played, Miss Edith Harding’s clarionette solos being especially good. Mrs. Burgess next sang “ Guy Mannering,” a quaint old gipsy song by Bishop, which admirably suited her rich contralto voice. Mr. A. L. Edwards followed with Adam’s lovely song “The Garonne.” I have never heard that gentleman in better form. In response to an undeniable encore he sang the pathetic old Scotch song “ Douglas Gordon.” Costa’s swinging march

from “Eli,” played with an ensemble and ..a vigour which quite surprised me, wound up the first part. After the interval the clever juvenile orchestra gave their best performance during the evening, a selection from Donizetti’s “ La Fille du Regimens.” The young players quite revelled in the sparkling music. Solos for clarionette (Miss Edith Harding), flute (Master C. T. Harding), and oboe (Master J. Jackson), were taken up with a precision and rendered with such taste and firmness as to be truly remarkable. The duet between oboe and clarionette deserves similar praise, and the entire number reflected much glory on performers and trainer alike. Mr. G. M. Reid made a judicious selection in Lohr’s “ Margherita,” which suited the singer “down to the ground.” In response to a persistent encore Mr. Reid bowed his acknowledgments, but could not be persuaded to sing again. Owing to domestic affliction Miss Whitaker was unable to sing “'lrene Liebe,” assigned to her on the programme. Mrs. Kilgour, at very short notice, kindly substituted “ Alla Stella,” with a ’cello obligato played with refined taste and skill by Mr. J. A. Beale. Well as I have oftetvheard Mrs. Kilgour sing, that lady on this occasion quite surpassed herself, and sang exquisitely. The audience coincided with my approval, and insisted upon an encore. Mrs. Kilgour sang the serio-comic ditty “ Tit-for-Tat,” which met with an equally enthusiastic reception. Mr. S. Jackson’s clarionette solo from Verdi’s “ Ernani,” was the finished and delightful performance one always expects from him, and another imperative encore followed the last notes. In response he gave an exquisitely dainty Danish Lied, with which Madame Bahnson has often charmed my ear. The spinning - wheel quartette, from Flotow’s “ Marta,” received a spirited rendering from Miss F. Harding, Mrs. Burgess, and Messrs. Brook and Chester. The voices were well balanced, and the ensemble excellent. Mr. Hudson, who has not yet quite recovered from his recent illness, sang Jude’s “Young Brigade” in clashing style. One of Strauss’ characteristic valses, “ Journalisten,” by the orchestra, concluded a wonderfully successful and pleasant concert. Miss Harding played all the accompaniments, and conducted and managed in splendid style. A special presentation of wreaths and garlands was made to her, and she thoroughly deserved such a recognition of her genius and perseverance. So much growing talent augurs well for our musical future.

To indulge in a little mild blow. Auckland may well be proud of her musical resources. To begin with, we are sending two companies entirely of local talent on provincial tours. The Auckland Concert Company, with :Mrs. Kilgour, Miss Rimmer, Mr. T. M. Jackson, Mr. Percy Dufaur, Mr. S. Jackson, Mr. Arthur Eady, and Mr. Alf. Bartley, - will do us credit wherever they perform. It would be. difficult to imagine a stronger combination. Then we must not forget Miss Amy Vaughan and her compact band of Amazons, whe are about to sally forth to conquer other worlds, and will doubtless find innumerable victims to their bows and spears. 'The two burlesques, “ Aladdin” and “ Monte Christo,” with perhaps “ Black-eyed Susan/’ and certainly some splendid variety work form a strong and attractive rdpetoire.

The Hugo Star Minstrels drew only moderate houses during their short season, but will, I feel sure, meet with better luck in the district tour they have inaugurated. In Miss Maggie Masters the company have secured a variety artist of great cleverness and promise.

“Evangeline,” with our favourite Miss Liddiard, opens on Boxing night at the Opera House. Leon Driver is drawing good houses at Christchurch.

The Auckland Choral Society will perform the “ Messiah ” on Tuesday next, with a good caste of soloists, including Miss Murray, who made such a good impression at the orchestral concert.

Mtss Amy Vaughan had a good house on Saturday, and the performance was a great success. Look out for that young lady’s benefit. Orpheus,