HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2077, 11 May 1907, Page 2

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

MADAME BLANCHE ARRAL’S FAREWELL CONCERT.

Nowhere in the colony lias Madame Blanche Anal received a more enthusiastic reception than that she has received in Gisborne, and tlie plaudits that were showered upon her iast night fully testified to the fact that the more tlie Gisborne people heard her the more enthusiastic they became. Even tlio filial fall of the curtain did not deter her numerous admirers from expressing their appreciation in the most emphatic manner, and it had to be lifted again to allow one more glimpse of her before the final parting. That she fully deserved tlio ovations is un- ' doubted, for tlio exceedingly difficult programme submitted was mainly sustained by herself, although she is well supported by a really first-class orchestra. Last night her voice was in perfect condition, and seemed fresher than on the previous occasion. The items chosen, too, were better | known, and from start te finish both 1 singer and audience were completely !en rapport. Every item on the pro--1 gramme was encored —some of them four times over —and the audience I seemed to fairly thirst for the exeel- | lent and entrancing music provided. | “Thou Charming Bird” (David), ; “Habanero,” from “Carmen” (Biiy.et), “Brindisi” (Lo-cocq), and the j “Jewel Song,” from “Faust” (Gou- ! nod), were Madame’s leading selec- ! tions last night, and one of her en- | cores was the charming song, “Sing Me to Sleep,” in which she dispelled ;tlh»3 notion that she is not at her best in ballad music. Indeed, she liy,lf apologised for it herself,- but there was no occasion for it, for the f',ong has seldom if ever been sung with better effect. Herr Paans’ selection was the popular “Polonnai.se,” by Vieuxtemps, in which his soulfulness, technique, and double stopping were exceedingly good, and he was recalled more than once. A double encore was also in store for Signor Torzillo’s harp solo, “Blumenlied” (Lange), and Mr. J. Stewart’s flute solo also came in for an ovation. The company leave for Auckland to-day, and if ever they return to Gibborno again a hearty welcome awaits them.