COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 83, 8 April 1911, Page 3

COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT.

FAREWELL TO MR. ERNEST PARKES. What must be termed 1 one of the most successful valedictory entertain- i ments given in Wellington of late years was the- farewell complimentary concert tendered Mr. Ernest Parkes, who is leaving Wellington, in the Town Hall last evening. The attendance, which must have numbered well over 1700, was a testimony to both the popularity and the prowess of the Wellington baritone, who goes further afield to do his fine voice ample justice. Mr. Parkes received a very warm welcome and a) substantial cheque, the proceeds- of the concert. The cheque was presented at the interval by the Mayor (Mr. T. M. Wilford), who referred to the recipient's excellent work in all causes, his "great and wonderful voice," and the future that awaited the New Zealand baritone, who had (said the Mayor) only to continue his training assiduously to take a place in the ranks of the "almost Godgiven voices." Mr. Parkes responded with commendable brevity, and the audience rose to sing, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." The programme for the entertainment contained plenty of variety and proved very popular. Mr. Parkes's first number was the favourite "I Pagliacci" prologue from 'Maritana." His resonant voice was heard to distinct advantage, and it is certain that Mr. Parkes possesses a natural gift of song of an enviably valuable calibre. It is a voice of excellent' register, and always musical, and, while it still .requires considerable development and a greater discipline, it is sufficiently cultivated to indicate its big possibilities. The "Toreador" song from "Carmen"' was vigorously treated, though it lacked somewhat in conception of the fiery^ suggestion of the number. Encore items were Zardo's "To-night," — a sugary number — Clarke's "Sincerity," and "I Would Not Grieve" (Schumann), the last-named being one of Mr. Parkes's best successes. Mr. J. F. Carr's sweet tenor was displayed effectively in "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Yoxing , Charms" (Moore), and "God Speed You" (Del Riego). Miss May Newman sang "Eleanore," a, typical Mallinson composition, sympathetically, and an encore; Miss Gladys Watkins contribute 1 ai florid Verdi Cavatina with moderate success, and Miss Richmond (pianist), Miss May Donaldson (violin), and Mr. Frank Johnstone 4 ('cello), Garde's "Moderate" and' "T_ar'ghetto" with quite the success that attended them at the recent chamber concert. Mr. Borneo Gardiner whistled delightfully, Messrs. E. J. Hill and R. T. Robertson sang -several numbers, receiving t a deserved appreciation, and Mrs. Sutcliffe recited the sitory of an elevator effectively. A popular item was the humorous quartette by Messrs. * Parsons, Robertson, Newton, and Kenny, and the remainder of the programme consisted of choruses and numerous encores all round. Mrs. Montague and Mr. D. A. Kenny supplied accompaniments, the latter also conducting. MUSICAL COSTUME COMEDY COMPANY. A novel entertainment will oe g*iveii at the Town Hall on Easter Saturday, when Mr. George Stephensoa will in-troduce-to New Zealand his English attraction, the Wanderers' Musical Costume. Comedy Company, with which i« associated the London society entertainer, Miss Phyllis Hopwood-Foldi. The company comes to New Zealand with excellent credentials from 'English, South African, and Australian .press. ' The company is a strong one, and' comprises singers, instrumentalists, "monologue- entertainers, dancers, and humorists. Good singing, attractive musical novelties, dressing, and stage appoint-ments-will be special features. Of MissPhyllis Hopwood-Foldi the English press speak in high 'praise. The box plan will be open at 9 a.m. on Monday at the Dresden. SUNDAY CONCERT. The second concert of the season / by the Wellington Professional Orchestra will be given in the Town Hall'to-mor-row evening, Wagner's overture, "Rie&zi," will be played for the first time in this city by an orchestra, and the programme will also include Gounod's "Saltarello," Squires "Yeomanry Patrol^" and the introduction to - the third act of "Lohengrin." Vocal items, will be given by Mr. Stan. Hutton (."Nearer, My God, to Thee" and'"Acrossthe Bay;"), and Mr. H. Moschini will play as a clarionet solo, " Concertino " (Weber). i X THEATRE ROYAL. The current programme at the Theatre .Royal will be repeated for the last time this evening. There will be the usual change on Monday night, and several j new performers will make their appearance. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. There are some particularly fine pictures in the programme at His Majesty's .Theatre this week. Among them are : — "From Forest to Fireside," being a kinems.togra.ph of the making of a newspaper, k 'Oh, What a Knight!" an irresistible comic, "East Lynne," a dramagraph of the well-known novel, and "bhooting Rapids in' Japan," a colour film. The usual performances are announced. MISSIONS TO SEAMEN. A large audience filled the Missionsto Seamen Institnte last 'evening, .when Mrs. Glasson gave an enjoyable concert. Mr. J. S. Glasson occupied the chair. The following contributed items to the programme : — Mrs,. Nicklin, Misses » Sin a 11, Glasson, Lankshcar, Messrs. C. It. Lankshear, Domb, and LaaksKeuv. Mrs* Glasson and Miss fl& &&&'** af^'l »* accorag&«-ri_« The

performers were accorded a very hearty vote of thanks at the conclusion, Mrs.Glasson briefly responding.