MISS CHRISTIAN'S CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1665, 19 June 1875, Page 3

MISS CHRISTIAN'S CONCERT.

After a fortnight's postponement through serious illness, Miss Christian last night gave her farewell concert to the public of Auckland. The concert was announced under the patronage of His Honor Sir George Grey, X.. C.8., who, upon entering the hall, was warmly greeted by the audience. The programme was perhaps the best that has ever been produced in Auckland. Every piece was good, and although the concert was prolonged until a late hour, there was not a single item which could have been omitted without causing serious disappointment. Tl c concert was given under the able direction of Mr Brown. An instrumental quartette (Haydn) was very nicely played by four members of the Choral Society's baud (Messrs Hemus, Clough, Beale, and Brown), and formed a capital overture. After this Mrs Mitchell sang the beautiful song, by Hatton, "'Her Heart was in the Song," in a mo.t exquisite manner. Miss Christian followed with Maefarren's charming song, "The Lime-trees by the River," and being encored, gave "Three Fishers," to the evident satisfaction of her hearers.' A new and unexpected feature was introduced into the programme, by the eminent tenor Mr W. F. Baker (now on a visit to Auckland), who gave LJilfe's " Come into the Garden, Maud," with the most telling effect. His voice is clear and powerful, his articulation good, and his style of Binging altogether free from those obnoxious mannerisms which so frequently spoil a good singer. He was loudly encored and his other soDg " The Death of .Nelson," was really magnificent. Mr Cullimore most ably accompanied his songs. Mr_ Snell played the first movement in Beethoven's " Sonata Impassionata " with great brilliancy, but the seltction was perhaps too "classical" for ordinary eara. The tiio "Memory" was capitally sung by Mrs Mitchell, Miss Christian, and Mr Tole. The last-named gentleman also sang the old old ballad "Sally in our Alley," which found much favour with the audience, who demanded its repetition. The first part of the programme was brought to a close by a descriptive song, "The Storm " (Hullah), most effectively sung by Miss Christian. The second part opened with a charming trio by R-.iasiger, pi lyed by Madame Moller (pianoforte), Mr Plough (violin), and Mr J. A. Beale (violoncello). The favorite duet from Maritana—"Sainted Mother," was sung by Mrs Mitchell and Miss Christian. This, and the trio from Sir Sterndale Bennett's '' May Queen," were the gems of the evening. For the success of this tiio great credit is due to the tenor (Mr H. Baker), who took the pait at short notice, and without previous rehearse! And we may al^o add that Mr Rice's accompaniments gave great satisfaction throughout. Mrs Mitchell sang very sweetly a simple little ballad by G. W. Allen (well known to many in Auckland as the talented conductor of the English Opera Troupe), entitled —"What may to-morrow bring—who can tell ?" Miss Christian sang (for the first time in Auckland) that old: English ballad—"The Bailiff's . daughter of Islington," and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the touching simplicity of the words and music. In answer to the inevitable encore,. Miss Christian gave us once more that most delightful of all her songs, "Oh take me to.thy heart again." Two of the Orpheus quartettes, "Banish Oh Maiden, and " Come silent Evening," were rendered in the course of the programme by Messrs. W. F and H. Baker, Brett, and Henderson. The last piece was " The Chough and Crow," performed as a trio by Mrs. Mitchell, Miss Christian, and Mr. Brett, and the National Anthem was loyally sung by the performers and the audience before leaving the hall. Altogether, the concert was highly successful, and the very numerous audience testified in the most gratifying manner to the universal respect and esteem which Miss Christian has won for herself during her stay in Auckland. Sigma.