AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 621, 15 June 1876, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THE LYDIA HOWABDB TEODPB.

The Lydia Howard® Opera Bouffo Troupe will commence a short season this evening, at the Canterbury Music Hall with “ Chilperic,”thecelebrated extravaganza of Herv6's. The libretto of this work teems with bright sparkling airs and witty dialogue. If the company prove to be all that our Northern contemporaries say of them, they should command large support. Opera Bouffe of the class they intend treating ua with will be an agreeable change after the dreary “funeral bak’d ” dramatic pieces with which we have been of late so satiated. The hall has undergone considerable improvement, having been repainted .and made thoroughly comfortable. A side entra-.ce has also been provided for holders of reserved seats tickets, which will no doubt be fully appreciated. ILMA DB MURSKAS CONCERT. The last concert of the De Murska Com - pany was given at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening. The occasion was announced as the “ benefit" of Mdlle De Murska, and we were sorry not to sec a larger attendance in the reserved portion ; but perhaps it is not to be wondered at, for nine consecutive entertainments similar in character are almost too many to be adequately supported by a city of the size of Christchurch, Still no conceit troupe that has yet visited the colony has produced so much good music performed in such excellent style. Throughout the whole of the season there has been an almost unvarying succession of really good performances, and but little exception to any item could be taken, save in a captious hypercritical spirit. One thing might perhaps have been improved, and we commend the suggestion for future guidance—there has been rather too much repetition in the programmes. It is not to be thought that with a company composed of so many cultivated musicians that there could have been any inability to produce more novelties ; but though some may think, and with some reason, that a piece, which has once or twice gained approbation, may secure approval again, yet the public look for “something nev,” and so also do musicians. Last evening the programme contained much that has been previously given, and, in consequence, no lengthened notice of its items is needed.

. Mdlle de Murska has not yefc recovered from her indisposition, and was scarcely fit for singing, but again bravely performed her allotted part with pronounced eclat. The graceful “ Shadow song” of Dinorah was given with delicious brightness and brilliancy, the many exacting ornamental phrases being executed with ease and fluency. As an encore “ Mandolinata” was sung. In the second part, Bishop’s light and, charming song, with flute obligato, *• Lo here the gentle Lark,” was sung by Mdlle de Murska, assisted by Sgnor Giammona. This was rendered most delicately in all particulars, and being most rapturously applauded, was jepeated in part. As a finale the “ Miserere ” scene from II Trovatore was given. In this Mdlle de Murska sang with intense pathos and fervour; and Signor Rosnati, in the lovely tenor air, sang most successfully. The audience could not rest satisfied save with re-appearance, and the concert concluded with that useful forlorn-hope of vocalists, “ The Last Rose of Summer.”

Maestro Ilia gave an exceedingly excellent rendering of Ascher’s curious but spirited “ Danse Negro,” and In response to a vociferous recall, played Schulhofi’s Valse in A flat.

Signor Susini seemed rather hoarse, and was scarcely in such good voice as usual. He sang a couple of solos, the last one (from Figaro) was especially well performed. He also appeared with Signor Rosnati in the bnraorous duo from L’Elixir d’Amore.”

Signor Rosaati sang an aria from Lucia in a style which deservedly gained a hearty encore, and in response sang the Ballata from Hallo in Maschera.

Signor Giammona repeated two of his flute solos, and played them well. He also appeared with Signori Rosnati and Susini in the very amusing trio “ Papatacci," from Rossini’s L'ltaliana in Algiera. He has a voice of good tone and no mean power : it is almost a matter for regret that he did not sooner appear as a vocalist, for he acquitted himself exceedingly well. This concert, then, ends a most enjoyable series of musical entertainments, and Mdlle dc Murska and her company travel onward to achieve new successes. But it is rumored that there is a possibility if not a probability of their returning hero ere very long. It has been almost a universal wish to see de Murska in opera, and we understand that it is contemplated to come back and give a few opera evenings, when scenes from the great and popular works will be performed in costume, &c. We hope that this rumour may receive speedy fulfilment, and feel assured ' that the venture will meet with a good return and be largely supported,