ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 470, 31 March 1909, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

» ROYAL PICTURES. The audienco which gathered at His Majesty's Theatro yesterday ovening to see tho last inhibition of tho current programme was not slow to recognise the merit of the fare provided, practically every film being received with enthusiasm. The weekly change of programme will bo given this evening. THEATRE ROYAL. . A fontiiro of the present bill at the Theatre Royal is tho cineplionc, a further advance on tho kinematograph. Three of tho best slides "The .Sneezing Song," "If the Man in the Moon was a Coon," and "While Shepherds Watch their "Flocks," were accompanied by the instrument. The other items on tho programme were well up to tho standard, and were enthusiastically received. "AN ENGLISHMAN'S HOME." "An Englishman's Home" is to bo produced in Sydney on Saturday evening. Miss Ola Humphreys, Mr. Henry Kolker, Mr. Eardlcy Turner, and Mr. Harry Plimmer aro in the cast, the last-named playing Prince Yoland, tho commandant of tho invading forces. ST. ANNE'S CLUB MINSTRELS. Tho St. Anne's Club Minstrels gave an' entertainment at St. Thomas's Hall last evening in aid of tho funds of the Catholic Hazanr, to bo held at Easter. Tho first part introduced (ho audieuco to an old-time Christy Minstrel circle, when songs, serious and sentimental, wero sung by Messrs. E. J. Foote, G. Foote, J. Bradley, E. Reade, S. Parkinson, and C. M'Erlean. In tho second part Mr. V. Raymond conjured cleverly, Messrs. H. P. Clarke and Joll sang the duet, "Watchman, What of the Night"; Mr. E. Reade sang "The Cuckoo"; Mr. A. Webb sang a selected item, and Mr. Kenny brought down tho house with his humorous .contributions. A capital entertainment wns brought to a close by a performance of tho farce, "Tho Same One," by the Wellington Catholic Dramatic Club, tho characters in which were assumed by Messrs. Fred. Hickmott, T. Tiller, F. Eller, M. J. Quiun, and J. Webb.

MADAME ELDERHORST'S LECTURE. Last evening, in the Concert Chamber of the Town Ball, Madame Elderhorst gavo a lecturo on pianoforte playing, followed by a, pianoforte recital. At the beginning of her lecturo, Madama Eldorhorst briefly recounted her own musical carcor, and told how dissatisfied she had been with tho method of tono production adopted by nearly all tho teachors she had mot. After studying various methods that wore supposed to produce a perfect tono, she was still unsatisiied until she studied Professor Matthay's system, when sho fouud it was exactly what she- wanted. Tho gist of Professor Matthay's teaching is that the tone is to bo produced by striking the strings of tho paino with tho key, using tho koy as a long lover, and not attempting to get the tono by hitting tho key. Tho method of key-hitting was still far too much in vogue, and later on Madame Elderhorst illustrated her meaning, showing how tho loudest and fullest tones could bo produced without any key-hitting, as sho called it. Madame Elderhorst gave many hints to tho young students present as to correct movements of tho arms in playing, overcoming nervousness, and memorising pieces. _ She recommended them to avoid memorising music by merely mechanical moans, becauso, for one thing, it led to a mechanical'stylo of playing, and for another thing, if the chain of association were broken, tho performer was lost. Sho advised students to study the written music carefoully bar by bar, analysing and comparing it, anil noticing every point, until they understood it thoroughly, and it was clearly fixed in tlioir minds. After her lecture, MadameElderhorst gavo a recital, ; beginning with Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," playinc tho first movement with a curious variatioiffrom the time in which it is usually rendered. A brilliant rendering of Schumann's "Novelette in F Major" followed, and tho rest of tho programme was dovoted to selections from Chopin's works, Madame Elderhorst proving most successful with the "Scherzo in B Minor," and tho "Preludo in-CMinor."

THE ROYAL WELSH MALE CHOIR. To-morrow evening will be tho last oppor- • tunity that tho nnisic-lorers of Wellington will have of listening to tiio Royal Welsh Male Ulioir, which will give a farewell concert in tho Town Hall. A special programme has been prepared, and popular prices arc to bo charged. . THE URBAN PICTURES. ' There was a largo audience at the Opera House last night, when tho Urban Picture Company gave its second exhibition. ' Tho Messina earthquake appealed to the audience, tho devastating effects of the. great earth tremor being shown with awe-inspir-ing fidelity. Tho fine picture of tho historical drama of incidents in the life of' Julius Caesar again interested tho audience,'and it was deservedly applauded. "A Game of Patience," which is nicely coloured and cleverly worked out, and tho general comic subjects were much enjoyed. The management states that entries for tho Marathon Race, to bo held next Tuesday evening, are now being received, and tho success of tho venture is assured. Good trophies aro being offered, and as an extra attraction sealed handicaps aro being held in connection with the race. THE MALLINSONS. Concerts which should create more than ordinary interest aro to bo given in the Concert Chamber of tho Town Hall on Mpn day and Wednesday next. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Mallinson, whose previous recitals here were a source of so much enjoyment, are appearing again, and thus an opportunity will bo given niusie-lovei-3 of still hotter realising the message composer and wife being with them. Mr. Mauglian Barnett, Heir Max Hoppe, and Mr. Frank Johnstone will contribute concerted items, aiid Mr. John Prouso will sing a group of Mr. Mallinson's songs. WEST'S PICTURES. The moving picture as a medium of intertainment has already attained a high position in the amusement world, and the many achievements in connection with kinematography of lato years makes it appear that there is a never-ending field of enterprise in this branch of business. One of tho latest and most advanced developments will be introduced by West's Pictures dvring thoir Easter season in Wellington, commencing next Wednesday in tho Town Hall. It will tako the form of a series of art studies, which introduce a new quality of film which greatly enhances tho -attractiveness of the' subjects. The subjects are all of a special nature, and tho artists engaged to portray the characters aro amongst the best known in England and France. The programme will be found to fully sustain this- company's high reputation in Wellington.- Attention is drawn to tho advertised prices of admission. West's Pictures will visit Lower llutt next Monday and Tuesday evenings, and on Good Friday night- they will present a specially-ar-ranged programme at Pctono. COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT. The complimentary concert; tendered to the popular Wellington contralto, Miss Mina Culdow, at tho Town Hall on Friday will bo under the patronage of Sir Josooli Ward Poplar •prices arc advertised, and'it is notified that 3s. and 2s. seats may be reserved at tha'Dresden without extra charae