ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2287, 4 September 1908, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

IRENE AINSLEY’S CONCERT

The poor welcome the Gisborne public accorded to Miss Irene Ainsley at her first concert in His Majesty s Theatic last evening was not by any means m keeping with the merit of the entertainment. Miss Ainsley’ possesses a contralto voice of unusually rare Quality and wide range and a fine execution. Her opening . number, “Mon coeur S’oudre ala voix, from Saint Saens’ opera Samson and Dolila, served to snow the singer s operatic power, and her effort was most pleasing. Tho audience demanded an encore, and Miss Ainsley responded witli the pretty Scotch song, “Annie Laurie,” which was sung in a most charming manner. Three bracketed songs, “Absent,” “Lillies,” and “Invitation,” comprised Miss Ainsley s next number, and these showed the flexibility <aud resonance of her voice. Tlie audience was so delighted with her efforts that an encore was demanded, and Miss Ainsley sang “Love’s ' Old Sweet Song” with tender feeling and fine effort. The popular Irish ballad “Kathleen Mavourneon” was sweetly sung by Miss Ainsley, and for an encore the pathetic song, “The Little Silver Ring.” Sir Arthur SluLivan’s sacred song,“The Lost- Chord,’ was Miss Ainsley’s concluding number, and in this her voice was heard at its best. Miss Ainsley sang with feeling and expression, and the'audience was so charmed that another encore was insisted upon, Miss Ainsley responding with “On the Banks of Allan Water.” Mr. Hamilton Hodges, the baritone of the company, showed that he possesses a complete knowledge of the art of singing, a 6 well as a voice of good quality. His opening number was SclmniannVTwo Grenadiers,” which was sung witli fine dramatic effect, and in response to an encore he gave “Beloved, It is' Morn,” which was greatly appreciated. His best number was three short songs bracketed, including two composed by Somerset, “One More” and “Song of Sleep.” Tho latter song was tunefully 'sung, (the artist showing complete control over his voice, the lullaby passages being faithfully taken. Mrs. Ernest H. Querec, who also acted as accompanist, played Rubinstein’s “Concert Study” and Friedeuthnl’s “Gavotte do Concert” on the piano, the last number being so excellently played that Mrs. Quereo was compelled to respond to an encore.

The seeond and last concert of tlie season will be given ia the Theatre this evening. The programme, which has been carefully selected, will contain a number of songs that are always popular, and should attract a crowded house.

The upright grand piano used was lent by Messrs J. Clirisp and Sons.