Music, Drama.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 215, 6 September 1894, Page 3

Music, Drama.

By

The Prompter.

It is reported that Miss Amy Sherwin (Madame Gorlitz) contemplates another Australian tour. I think I read somewhere that her latest baby had for godfather Paderewski, the famous pianist. Madame Alboni, who many years ago was a famous vocalist, and who died on Jun© 22nd, was so stout in her latter years that she was unable to walk unless supported on either side by men servants. The complimentary farewell concert tendered to Miss Freda Marsden on Thursday evening last attracted a very satisfactory audience, and those who attended had a decidedly good programme placed before them. Miss Henrietta Watson sails for London on the 29th inst. Since her arrival in Australia as a member of Mrs Bernard Beere’s company Miss Watson has been a great favourite with Australian audiences. An unusual incident occurred at the recent Handel Festival in the Crystal Palace, London. In the second part of Israel in Egypt the enormous chorus got “ off the line” once, and the conductor had no option but to cry a halt and make a fresh start. M. Paderewski, he of the lengthy locks, journeyed expressly from Paris to open the London Salle Erard, which forms part of Messrs. Erard’s new premises. The hall seats about 300 persons, and the stained glass windows contain portraits of Chopin, Gounod, Liszt, Rubinstein, Wagner and other musical kings. Through the Review going to press prior to the rise of last night’s curtain at the Opera House, I am compelled to postpone my notice of the opening performance of the Lilliputians nntil next week’s issue. I understand the company has been considerably strengthened since the occasion of Mr Pollard’s last visit, and as the properties used in the last Princess’s Panto, have been secured, lovers of gorgeous stage setting may expect something unusually good. John Gourlay, the well-known comedian, , has sought the refuge of the bankrupt’s court. He gives as the causes of his insolvency, failure of his professional tour to New Zealand in July, 1893, failure of the Sydney pantomime in December and January last, and the stereotyped “ want of employment ” The latter plaint is very common amongst actors on the other side just now. Gourlay’s liabilities amounted to £lBB 4s 2d, and his assets totalled 10s. Messrs. Williamson & Musgrove are negotiating with Madame Melba with a view to her visiting Australia next year. Mr Musgrove offered Madame Melba and a company, comprising herself, a tenor, a contralto, a baritone and a bass, £350 a night for twelve conoerts. The singer wanted £450, but was refused by the firm on account of the “ prevailing depression.” A cable has since been sent to Madame Melba offering £350 a night for fifteen concerts. If this be accepted by the singer she will leave for Australia in May next year. Mr Abbey pays the famous singer alone £250 a night to sing in the United States.