COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2056, 6 December 1907, Page 2

COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT

TENDERED TO MRS. BUOKERIDGiE. CROWDED HOUSE AND FIRSTCLASS PROGRAMME. The concert tendered to Mrs. Buckoridge on the eve of her departure for England was a worthy compliment to a popular vocalist. Ihe programme was diversified, and, on tho whole, of exceptional merit, so much so that a large audience waiteel until after half-past 10 o clock to 'hear the last item. Tvatura.lv chief interest centred in the songs contributed by the lady who is soon to take her departure, and it- may be said at once that. Mrs. Buokoridge was in excellent voice, and was therefore quite able to- satisfy the exacting demands of her many friends. In all she contributed six solos, besides participating in concerted items, and the selections, ranging as they did from “Ave Maria” to “Only a Penny” and “Ben Bolt,” gave ample opportunity to display her quite exceptional versatility. Mrs. Buckoridge is not only a very fine contralto singer, but she is also a capable actress. “Ave Maria” and “The Children’s Home”- — tho latter given as an encore—'both gave her powers as a vocalist ample scope, and with piano and organ accompaniment and violin obligato tlic result was very effective. In the widely different “Only a Penny,” Airs. Buokeridge by her expressive singing and clever acting invested the little ballad with considerable pathos. Her reception by the audience was 'most enthusiastic. ' The programme included items by several whose names are new to Gisborne ■audiences, and the result was exceedingly creditable to artists making their debuts. Miss Daisy Hansen chose “Sing Ale to Sleep” ns her opening number, displaying a pleasing soprano voice of nice quality and fair expression, but with a tendency to over-straining the effect, and rather faulty timing. As an encore she , gave “Genevieve.” Alias Pyke sang “The Gift,” but she was obviously too nervous to do herself justice either in this or in her encore number, “Spring Again.” In the first half she contributed two recitations, “Tout Change” and “How Do A r ou Die,” with admirable effect. Mr. AVilliamson scored a • istinct success. In bis first effort, “Blow, Blow, Thou Winter’s Win d he was somewhat lifeless, p rob amy the result of “nerves,” but his encore number, “Tho Admiral’s Broom,” found him better suited and more confident, and as a result of his spirited rendering of the o’d sea song he Jiad to again take ibo platform. This time lie responded with “The Riderless Steed,” and despite a tendency to over-run l:is words a capital rendition was given. Air. AVilliamson has a fairly strong baritone voice, of good range and excellent quality, and is a welcome addition to our list of vocalists. Air. Trafford Reynolds, who sing “Tbe Devout Lover,” and as an en-'ore “Oh, Oil Hear the Wild Winds Blow,” has a powerful voice, somewhat lacking in expression and ouality. The other . contributors are well known to Gisborne audiences, and it only remains to be said that they assisted towards one of the best concerts tliat have taken place here for a considerable period. Air. Griffiths sang “The Gauntlet” and “Youth” ; Air. Percy Adair, “Happy Song” and “In a Lovely Garden”: Airs. Phil Barry, “Idle Words” and Tosti’s “Good-bye”; Air. Barlow. “■Broken Dreams” and “Alay Alorning” ; Air. Teat, “Because” and “To-morrow AVi 11 be Friday,” whilst Air. J. Adair contributed two ’cello solos. The Club Orchestra played two fine selections, which were heartily appreciated by the audience. Those who played accompaniments were Airs. Kennedy, Airs. Brownlee, Miss Albllhone, Messrs. Piper and Sutcliffe. iDr. Buckeridge took part with . Alts. Buckeridge in the duet “Beauty’s Eyes,” and the quartet “Marjory” was given most effectively by Airs. Kennedy, Airs. Buokeridge, Air. Kennedy,' and Dr. Buckeridge. One of the most acceptable items on the progra.nime, and certainly the most original, was a recitation of one of Dooley’s masterpieces by Air. A. F. Kennedy. The selection constituted a skit on railway travelling in America, and the reciter probably succeeded in giving to liis audience a better idea of the quaint Yankee humorist than any of them ever possessed before. The entertainment was so thoroughly successful that a suggestion was made, and has been acted on, tint a sacred 00110011, at which those who contributed to fast night’s concert will also participate, shall lie held in the Theatre on Sunday night next. Further particulars will be published to-morrow.