AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14842, 6 December 1913, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

LIEDERTAFEL CONCERT. The last concert of the Liedertafcl prior to their forthcoming fiigbt to the Auckland Exhibition took placo last night at tho rooms of the Scottish ciety, under the energetic leadership of Dr. Bradshaw, and tho coming event has cast not shadows but brightness before it. For it was evident that they havo laid on an extra special polish for tho now venture. It could bo noticed in the very first gart song, the often repeated ''Song ot the Northmen." Always tho object of much care, it yet in attack, finely blended harmony, and artistically evolved surpassed previous performances. The tenors only, on one occasion particularly, entered by no means as a unanimous body, while sometimes on later occasions they took their upward intervals with too much effect. But on the whole -a fine standard was maintained allthe evening. The humorous style, enjoyed as much by the singers ns tho audience, was largely represented by such popular numbers as Hatton's •'Letter," "Sally in Our Alley," "In Vocal Combat," and "Tho Gcsliugs." In the "Soldiers' Chorus" from Faust a suitable spirit and good breadth of tone was infused. The slower tempo of Goss's "0 Thou Whoso Beams" led to some stiffness in enunciation, as also in the opening phrase of Hatton's "Letter." Rarely did tho sporsando in tho serious numbers, of course, sound too abrupt and intentional, still there remained a few samples waiting to be eliminated. . Imperative encoros demanded last night were more numerous in respect to part songs tlian wo ever remember. Messrs • Cookson Vincent, March, and Millar sang two quartets "Oh Zephyrs Blow," and "Maytimo," in very wcll-blendod harmony, and with good finish. In regard to the soloists Mr Schwartz must be complimented on his fine singing of Beethoven's "Adelaide " employing th« mossa di toco with much effect and instilling the required fervour into the greatest of all love, songs. Mr March sang the solo of "Spin, Spin,".wJtn excellent expression. For the first time Mr Kell.wny made his appearance as soloist. His voice is hardly full enough for his chosen "Love Loads to Battle," but ho madj n favourable impression in "Home Onco Again." Mr Vincent, who replaced Mr Morris suffering from our wintery spell, proved to bo in capital voice and gave very effective readings of "Time Was I Roved" and "Tho Mountain," by Hermann Lohr, but Mr F. M. Collins's contribution. "The Storm Fiend," exhibited neither breadth nor power enough," although he mado up. for these shortcomings to a considerable extent in tho encore number. As solo pianist appeared Dr. Crooke, nervous in tho passages of the Moskowski Valse. ns happens to all who practise too little,* but gaining his true form in the Bourse by Bach. Mr A. Worsley displayed his well-known ability as accompanist. v

QUEEN'S THEATRE. The new programmo submitted at the Queen's Theatre yesterday was witnessed and thoroughly enjoyed by large audiences. "His Secret" was an admirably acted domestic drama, which told a story of more than ordinary interest. A husband, unable to find employment, is tempted to commit a crime, but the promptings of his conscience save him from perpetrating the burglary he contemplated. His wife is a kind-hearted woman, and, unexpected, an act of kindness on her part is rewarded by a gift of a large sum of money, and the story ends happily. Another interesting drama of family life was "My Baby's Voice," in which a mother who has been tempted to run away by a former lover is saved from her contemplated folly by tho telephone girl in tho hotel. The wife had rung up, on tho telephone, hor former lover, and the telephone girl overheard the plans that wero being formed. Sho switched the .mother off on to her child,-and the mother, hearing her innocent prattle, changed^her mind. Tho pictures delineating recent events ' m the Dominion, including striko scenes, were most interesting. Tho other pictures were: "All the Fault of Jane" (Pathe comedy), "In the Danube Valley,'' "A Mutual "Understanding" (drama), and "Tlio Now Baby" (comedy). To-dny and this evening, in addition to the above, tho following "specials" will bo screened:—"Little Boy Blue" (children's drama), and "Broncho Billy's Christmas Dinner" ("Western comedy drama). FULLER'S PICTURES. The current programme of Fuller's Pictures was witnessed by a largo audience at the Colosseum last night. The same pictures will be shown this afternoon and evening. On Monday night "Quo Vadis?" will re-appear ;n all its magnificence and grandeur. The success achieved by this great picture "■has been enormous. The faithfulness with which the film follows S.ionkiewich's remarkable story, the commendabio attention to detail, and tho fine acting of the Italian artists, the clear photography and the exciting realistic nature of the spectacles with which the representation abounds, are forces which have combined to produce in "Quo Vadis?" something quite out of the common. Conspicuous are the "Palace Revels," "Death of Patronius," "Nero's Banquot," scenes in the ampitheatre including "Gladiatorial Contests," "Whirlwind Chariot Races," and "Tho Martyrdom of the Early Christians," upon whom twonty lions are loosed. The incidental nnifiic arranged by Hen* Zimmerman, will be a featuro of the entertainment. SYDENHAM PICTURES. "Brcnnan of the Moors" is a stirring tnle of Old Ireland 100 years ago. Tho story is that of a witty outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor. His adventures are startling and interesting. ■ "The Kelp Industry" is ari educational item of much value. Tho "Pntho Gazette" furnishes Home pictorial news. "Our Servants and Ouf Friends" shows some excellent breeds of fancy dogs v A startling and cxcit l - ing play, full of sensation, is ontitled "Tho Hand of "Destiny." Max Linden in "Max as' Musician" is extremely funny, whilst "One Over Cutey" provokes irresistiblo laughter. This list will be screened the matineo to-day, and for the final time to-night. HAYWARD'S PICTURES. At His Majesty's Theatre last night the current programme of Hayward's Pictures was witnessed atd greatly enjoyed by a large audience. This afternoon and evening the samo programme will be given. GRAND THEATRE. Excellent audiences witnessed the current programme at tho Grand Theatre yesterday. The samo pictures will bo screened to-day and this evening. There will be a matinee programme during the afternoon, when a number of special films for the children will bo shown. To-night the ordinary programme will be repeated. GLOBE PICTURES. Good audiences were recorded at the Globe Pictures yesterday, and the programme was greatly enjoyed. To-day and this evening tho same programme will be repeated. OPERA HOUSE. There was a satisfactory attendance at tho Opera House last night. Arthur TToutjt and his Mermaid wero enthusiastically received, and the remainder of tho company were also successful in their items. To-night the programmo will be repeateS. A FAMOUS TENOR. Contrary to expectations,. Mr John McCormack will commence .his New Zealand tour in tbe Thcatr'e Royal, Christchurciu on Saturday, December J

20th..Although Mr McCormack visited tliis country a little over a'year ago, it was only-possible then to givo two concerts, and thuy wero allotted to Wellington and Auckland. After, fulfilling a * most successful engagement jit_Corent Garden, Messrs J. and N. Tail engaged tho famous tenor for an Australasian tour, and .all the principal cities and towns of the Commonwealth have been visited, and the tour hae been a success. Mr McCormack's sixteenth concert in Sydney attracted ono Oi the biggest audiences ever seen in the Town Hall, and at the conclusion of the concert there was a scene of great enthusiasm. Extra were domanded. and even after they were sung it was enly by lowering tie lights that tho crowd could be persuaded to Icavo tho hall. Tho assist! a r artists on this tour have been well received on the other side. The soprano, Miss May Huxley, j< said to yo«sess a voice of strength and Sno quality, while Mr Tkmnld Mcßenth. the violinist, and Mr Vincent O'Bn'on, pianist, /ire stated to be artists of great merit. The box D lans for the season ot>en. fit tho Thvsden on Wednesday. 17th, and anplirafcoiw for srats fivrai country patrons w t !l receive prompt attention."

CHRIsTCHTTRCR ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY. At the Theatro Royal nest Wodnesd ?y tho Cnnstchurch Orchestral Society will gire tho fourth concert of its 1913 season. The programme will be a request one, and will consist"of the most popular numbers played durin-- tho season. Tho vocalist will be Miss Gwladys Sugden (contralto), who won several prizes at the musical and elocutionary competitions. Miss Sudden will sing "Aufenthalf (Schubert), "Pauline's Romance" (Tsehaikowsky), and "The Lily of tho Ganges" (Orlando Morgan). Miis Irene Morris (violinist) will play "Air .from Concerto" (Goldmark). A feature of this concert will be the first appearance- of Mr Clarence Moss, a 'cellist of no mean order. Mr Moss, who is a prominent momber of the Greymouth Orchestral Society, will play "Slumber Song," composed by the celebrated 'cellist Van Bione. In this number the full'orchestra will accompany Mr Moss. The orchestral portion will include Symphony No. 2 (Beethoven), Overture "Mignon" (Ambrose Thomas), March "Tannhauser" (Wagner), "Praeludium" (Jarnefelt), "Willow Song" from "Othello" suite (Coleridge Taylor), and Valse Intermezzo , "A Nigl'it of Dreams" (Homo). The box plan is now open at tho Dresden. There will be a few seats open to the public at this concert.

HAMDEL'S '-MESSIAH." The Christchurch Methodist Choir Union, will give the seoond performance of "The Messiah" in tho Durham street Church this evening, commencing at 8 o'clock. A strong choir of 250 voices will givo twelve choruses, under the conductorship of "Sir E. Firth, F.R.C.O. The soloists will bo Miss M. Twose (soprano.), Mrs Stallard (contralto), Mr J. H. Peek (tenor), Mr W. J, Spratt (bass). Miss E. Smith is tho organist. It is announced that the season in Christchurch of the painting "The Shadow of the Cross.'' which was to have closed to-day, win be extended for another week. Mr Kilpatrick's dec'sion is due to numerous requests, and the large attendance of visitors since the opening day. The -stndio will bo open to-day from 1 to 5 o'clock, and the same hours will be observed throughout the concluding week.