GRAND CONCERT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3132, 12 July 1881, Page 3

GRAND CONCERT.

The concert in aid of the Sutherland family which took place in the Theatre Royal last night was undoubtedly the ' most successful amateur concert which has been held in Napier. The programme was an admirable one, containing some gems of opera, a number of favorite ballads, and being arranged in such a way as to give pleasant variety to both parts. The arrangements were good, and were thoroughly well carried out. Another feature of this performance was the ample and excellent orchestra under the leadership of Mr Garry. The ( large audience which assembled was a clear evidence that if trouble is taken to get up a really first-rate entertainment the Napier public will always respond. The first notable item in the performance ■was Mr Hill's singing of " Alice where art thou." With a powerful voice, and cultivated taste, Mr Hill should prove a most important acquisition to the Napier musical talent, and will doubtless play an important part in our future amateur performances. Of the singing of the selections from Lucrezia Borgia by Mrs Sheath, it is almost needless for us to write ; they were given with that true artistic care and finish which Mrs Sheath ha_ brought to everything shfc

has sung before a Nanier audience. There was an evidence of careful study and practise which ought to have it's influence upon those who take part in our amateur performances. A loud recall was responded to by a return, but as Mrs Sheath was evidently suffering from a cold, and tbe pieces she had sung were somewhat trying, the audience wisely refrained from insisting upon a repetition. Mr Kettle sang v The Vagabond" with admirable taste and feeling. The solo on the violincello by Mr Humphries waa a thoroughly enjoyable performance, and gave variety to this part of the programme. The leautifnl duet from II Trovatore " Here at tbey feet " was , well rendered by Mr and Mrs Sheath. " Kathleen Mavourneen," by Mrs Price, was given with great feeling and received well-merited applause. A trio from Maritana brought the first part of the programme to a conclusion. The chorus "Sweet and Low," by the company, opened the vocal portion of the second part with capital effect. Mr Kettle's " Non c Ver" was a remarkably sweet rendering, and received a loud recall. The universal favourite, " Last Rose of Rummer," was given by Mrs Sheath in a way which was thoroughly appreciated by the audience, who insisted upon a return, and they were amply repaid for their persistance by a beautiful rendering of "When the Roses bloom Again," to which Mrs Sheath played her own accompaniment. Tbe instrumental duet by Mrs and Miss Price was admirably played, Miss Price's execution and correctness showing careful tuition. " The Midshipmite" by Mr Aplin met with an enthusiastic reception and had to be partly repeated. Mrs Smith sang "Truth in Absence" with evident nervousness but very sweetly, and received a very emphatic encore. Mr Gilpin was in good voice, and gave Pinsuti's " Raft" with admirable effect. A very effective trio from the " Rose of Castille" brought the concert to a close. The performers had their greatest reward in the very attentive . appreciotion which a large audience gave throughout a long performance ; and they will also doubtless find satisfaction in the knowledge that tbey have contributed very considerably towards the comfort of a family which has claims upon the charitable sympathy of the district.