SACRED CONCERT.

Evening Star, Issue 4315, 26 December 1876, Page 3

SACRED CONCERT.

At the Queen's Theatre last evening the members of the Lydia Howarde troupe gave a concert of sacred music, and for t!te occasion the orchestra was considerably strengthened by 'he assistance of several local musicians. On the whole the entertainment can scarcely be called a success, for many of the pieces were indeed in a manner sadly lacking vocal power and finish; but on the other hand some of the selections were excellently given. Among the best were the airs with invisible chorus "Children's Voices"— whichhadabeautifuleffect; "Fac utPortam/| nicely sung by Mdlle Solange No varo and encored ; the solo "If with all your Heart,' rendered with great expression by Mr Roper, and also redemanded ; the duet " Quis est Homo," admirably sung by Miss Howarde and Mdlle. Novaro; and lastly, " Oh, rest in the Lord," given by a gentleman amateur who has a peculiar but wonderfully fine voice; but who clips his words dreadfully in singing, and altogether shows great want of training. Mr Carey sang ' ' Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep " very finely r but Mr Marshall—who was evidently suffering from a cold—was not heard to advantage. The performance concluded with the " National Anthem of New Zealand" written by Mr Bracken, music by Mr Hume—which was well executed by the whole of the company, assisted by the Artillery Band.