ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 472, 2 April 1909, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

WELSH MALE CHOIR. In high-grado part-singing tho Welsh Male Choir, which reappeared ut tho Town Hall last evening, lias never been surpassed in this city. This lino body of singers is richly endowed with tho vocal capacity usually associated with the Welsh people, and to tho excellent fibre of their vocalism is added an art that renders expressive choral compositions of tho loast musical worth, whilst it enhances tho most Ifcautiful. .Tho Town Hall was not so full as it should have been; theirs is tho loss that, remained away. Tho choral numbers last, evening consisted of tho Welsh National Anthem, "Hungarian March" (Berlioz), "ITaniP, Sweet Home," "Men rf Harlech," "Tho Soldiers Serenado" (Saintis), "Abide With Me." '"1 he Bandit" (Verdi), "Peaceful Night." (German), "Jack Sprat," the Soldiers' Chorus from "Faust," and "Home Away to Timbuctoo. Through ill-health, Mr. Todd Jones, tho loading tenor, was unable to bo present, but, Mr. Robert Jones,, who owns a splendid lyrical tenor voico of fino rango and particularly fine quality, took honours in carrying a. double load. With rare sympathy ho sang the solo in "Home, Sweet Home,' gavo a delightful interpretation of Blumenthai's "My Queen, sang the solo in "The Imago of the Rose (Reichardt), and was associated with Mr. Aneurin Edwards in the "Excelsior" duet, which was not improved by the choral trimmings given tho popular number. Mr. W. Trevor Lewis s powerful and dramatic baritone found tho scope it demands in Pinsut.i's "Tho Raft," and 'The Bandalero." Mr. D. Davies (basso), whose middle register suffers from a troublesome vibrato, sang "I'm a Roamer" (Mendelssohn). and "Rocked in the Cradle of tho Deep." 'Mr. Edwards's solos were a rather strained adaptation of Cardinal Newman's beautiful hymn "Lead, Kindly Light," by Pughe-Evans, and that meritorious ballad "Drake's Drum. Mr. William Thomas controlled the choir admirably, and no fault could be found with the accompanying of Mr. Hugh Hughes. URBAN PICTURES. An interesting collection of kinematographic items makes up tho programme Of the Urban Pictures, in season at tho Opera House. The various incidents in the King's visit to Berlin are of interest, as showing tho cordiality with which the British Sovereign -was received by the Germans. Of equal interest is a _ set of films showing the devastation wrought in Messina by tho recent earthquakes. The programme will be repeated throughout this week. THEATRE ROYAL. Picture and, story, dance and song make an excellent combination for an evening's entertainment, and theso are to be had at tho Theatre Royal, where tho cinephone, recently introduced by Messrs. Puller, supplies . tho link that has long been wanting in order to connect the animated picturo in some degree with tho stage. Among tho cinephone items in this week's programme, "When Shepliords Watch Their Flocks" and "If the Man in the Moon were a Coon" are about the best, whilst "Her Newsboy Friend" and "Scenes in Zanzibar" obtain high favour among tho films in ordinary. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. This week's programme of moving pictures at His Majesty's Theatre is drawing good audiences, as is only natural considering the standard of entertainment provided by the management. The travel picture, of such interest in showing the nature of foreign lands, is missing, but its absence is mado up for by tho rest of the films. "Tho Lighthouse Keeper" and "The Convict's Revenge" arc good examples of the story-picture and dramatic film, whilst thoso of tho audience desiring humour have their wants supplied with "Weary Willie Goes to the Carnival, "Why Father Learned to Ride," etc. There will he a matinee as usual on Saturday afternoon. ORGAN RECITAL. The weekly organ recital will be given by 'Mr. Maughan Barnett at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The programme will include Schubert's. "Serenade," and Toccata and Fugue in Cby Bach. . CONCERT AT : PORIRUA. ' A concert was |»iven' by Messrs. Isrel and Archer at the Porirua Asylum on Wednesday ovening. Songs, otc., wero contributed by Messrs. Isrel, Goldbloom, Bell, Lyell, and LutL Misses Gilpin, Petors, and Mrs. Lucus sang "The Toilers," much to the delight of the audience. Master J. D'rury's rendering of Raff's "Cavatina" for the violin was much appreciated, and Mr. Archibald Moore gavo a selection from "Maritana" on tho clarionet. Mr. Percival Archer acted as accompanist. _ At the close of the concert, supper was provided for the visitors. / "THE MERRY WIDOW." Mr. J. C. Williamson's Royal Comic Opera Company is announced as tho Easter attraction at the Opera House, when they will opeu their Wellington season on Easter Saturday with the famous comic opera, "Tho Merry Widow." The music of this, lively play, which has been more frequently performed and in more countries than any other work of its kind, is already well known in Now Zealand,' where its catchy and tuneful waltz airs aro heard frequently. The cast for the New Zealand tour is even stronger'than that which appeared in Svdnev or Melbourne, through tho addition of lliss Fanny Dango, wKb was not in either of the productions named. Miss Fiorrie Young, Mr. Reynold Roberts, Mr. Victor- Gouriet,- Mr. Claude Bantock,, Mr. A. Hunter., Mr. J. Har- ■ voy, -Mr. W. S. Percy, Mr. D. B.V O'Connor, and all tho old favourites are with tho company, and there is also a new artist of high reputeMr. Andrew Higginson. The box plan will be opened at the Dresden on Tuesday morning, at 9 o'clock. ! MISS CALDOWS 'CONCERT. A fine programme is to be submitted to the public to-Aight at the Town Hall, event being tho concert which 'has been organised as a compliment to Miss Mina CaldoiV. ■ The popular contralto hersel? will contribute throe items, one with organ Accompaniment. Lady Ward and party will 'Do present on tho occasion. The other contributors to the concert will prove a largo factor in giving enjoyment to tho large audien'M, which the promoters hope will bo seen in tho Town Hall to-night. CHAMKER CONCERT. Tho last two concerts of the series undertaken by Mr. Maughan' Barnett, Hcrr-Max Hoppe, and Mr. John P rouse are to bo given in the Concert Chamber of tho Town Hall on Monday and Wednesday evenings _ next. At these corcerts an opportunity, which no doubt will be greatly appreciated, will be given 'of again hearing Mr. a-,id Mrs. Albert Mallinson beforo their departu ro for Europe. ' ' SUNDAY CONCERT. The Wcllvngton Professional Orchestra, assisted by oUier artists, will give a sacred concert in tb,o Town Hall on Sunday evening. Tho chief.- attraction will be tho performance by the o'rehestra of Haydn's "Farewell Symphony." /This piece is said to have been written on t'ke occasion of some difference between Prince lEsterhazy and his private band, to which Haydn was composer and conductor. Tho pr.ince had determined to dismiss his orchestra or to deprive them of their usual holiday. The symphony ends with an extra adagi/i after the usual finale, during which the play.-rs leave tho orchestra one by one each blowing out his candle beforo ho leaves with his music and instrument. A silver coin collection will be made at tho doors.