COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1505, 30 July 1912, Page 6

COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

FAREWELL TO ME, BORNEO GARDINER. IW concert seasons in Wellington have been so markedly successful as the- pne sent ono. No concert of any note has failed to attract a largo, audience, aud in many instances tho support accorded has been wonderfully generous. Tho latter re mark applies to tho very exeellont concert gjven in tho Town Hall Inst evening as a farewell compliment to Mr. Borneo Gardiner, tho accomplished sifflcur, who is about to test his talent in wider fields than Wellington. His popularity with local audiences is unquestioned, and if kid artistic whistling can hold enthralled audiences of other cities as it did that which, filled tho Town Hall last ' evening, hia decison to try his fortune abroad is a wise one. His best effort last evening was Chaminado's florid song, "L'Ete," which he invested with delicacy, refinement, aiid sweetness. Tho pretty chanson lends iteelf to the art of the eiffleur, and its daintiness and charm wero fully realised by Mr. Gardinor. Edward German's "Waltz Song," from the opera "Tom Jones," and Gounod's "Serenades" wero also nicely in- ■ torprot«d. The Wellington Professional 1 ' Orchestra (of - which Mr. Gardiner is a 1 member) contributed most acceptably to tho programme. Although restricted ; in _ numbers owing 'to severil I of its most valued members being unable to attend, it gave a very creditable interpretation of the overture to Mendelssohn's opera "Ruy Bias," and completely charrii- ' ed the audience- in a "Graceful Dance"' from Sullivan's "Henry VIII" music, and ' Brahra's popular "Hungarian Dances,"', which are so admirably coloured with the fire and languor of the Slav. The (via, for wood-wind "Dreigesbrack" (with orchestra), by Messrs. L. Cohen (oboe), A, P. Truda (flute), and H. Moschini (clarinet), wns also pleasingly played. The intermezzo iii this number, played by muted strings, is enticingly melodious, and flie trio, with pizzicato accompaniment, is daintily rhythmical and attractive. Mr. B. S. Allwright, a baritone new to Wellington, mado a highly favourable iin< pression. Added to a voice of gocd, even quality, used with studied discretion, Mr. Allwright impressed one immediately as a vocalist who pays unusual court to the lyrist, and his interpretation of "When, Shadows Gather'! and "Picrette" evidenced the possession of head as well in voice. Mr. Allwright is a class of singer who will command respect in Wellington. Miss Teresa M'Enroe is a soprano, the local choral societies should bear in' mind when arranging their casts. Breaking away from ballad music, she gave a delightful rending of the "Jewel Song" from Gounod's "Faust," when allowing for tho inexperience of youth'. One looks for a certain abandonment and temperament in the interpretation of the aria, and that will ccino in time to Miss M'Enroe. whose voico is true and method correct. She richly deserved the encore giv'wi, which produced "The Wren," onii : of the bird-series by Liza Lehmann. Mr. I J. Parker played Willeby's "Crossing the • Bnr" ns a cornet solo, and, for an encore, , "The. Rosary," very nicely intoned. Mr. E. -T. Hill saug "Brown Eyes" (Del Riojto), ■ and, for an encore, his brother's "Poi Waiatq," warmly, welcomed by tho awlienwv Mr. Zante Wood produced a' new ■ monologue, "The Kitchen Clock," n pretty story of love, courUhip, and marriage related by an old kitchen clock. He, 100, was h.oiK'!ir,od with an "ncorc. Miss Tliclnin Peterson -sing "For the Green" (T.ohr), which she bracketed with "I Know Not Why" (Binghani), two likn. able little songlets voll within her capacity, and, later, "My Gentle Child" (Dβ Riogo). "The Bandolero" was sung by Mr. J. A. Dohevty, and Mr. H. N. Plotcher contributed "I Hear T«u Calling Me." A welcome contribution mas. the opening scone iji "Julius Censar," between Flavius,,.Marullus, and the rabble, interpreted with a good deal of histrionic insight by Mr. J. C. Bell. The eiico.ro piece, though humorous, was not nearly so palatable. The Orphans' Club choms sail? "Oft in the Stilly Night," with Mr. J. P. Carr as soloist. Owing to having to do a lot of rushing alwut behind the stage in connection with his duties ns sta^e' manager, Mr. Carr lost breath, and had to give up in tho middle of the solo, which was promptly continued by Mr. Alhvrijjht. , Messrs. Newton, Kenny, Gardiner, and Parsons made a distinct, hit in the ccnvic quartet, "Tommy Wont a Fishing," aud continued, the fun iiv "Simple Simon." The Orpheus Glea Party sans: "Ir. Absence." and tho Orphans' Club clioruj, "Tho boldier s Farewell." Messrs. Di Kenny and Miss Amy Remington acted efficiently as accompanists.