THE URSO CONCERTS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1950, 25 May 1880, Page 3

THE URSO CONCERTS.

It is a long while since the Oddfellows' Hall presented such a brilliant appearance as it did last night, for it was crowded in every part. Notwithstanding this, the dead silence that prevailed while Madame Urso was playing snowed that the audience were determined not to lose a single note. Six solos were given by Madame Urso, the good natured manner in whioh she responds to the enthusiastic demands for repetition making it to appear that she enjoyed the glorious tide of sound that flowed from her charmed violin in an equal degree with the crowd of eager listeners. As was prognosticated, the performance of Mendelssohn's magnificent concerto in E proved one of the greatest musical treats ever heard in this city. The andante was played in the graceful expressive manner which is one of Madame TJrso's greatest charms, but few were prepared for the crashes of joyous chords which immediately afterwards poured out'from her instrument. Madame Urso, in response to the thunders of applause that rewarded her efforts, played the "Last Bose of Summer," and, again being recalled, instead of giving some trifle, played the " Legende," by Wieniawski, most expressively. The second number on the pro. gramme was Prume's " La Melancolie," which pleased the audience thoroughly, and elicited the double encore, the pieces played being the " Carnival" and Gottschalk's "Cradle Song." The lady vocalists were both in excellent voice, and were encored for every number ; and Mr Sauret was successful in his selections, namely, Sohumann's " Arabesque," Chopin's " Nocturne in B flat minor," and Beethoven's "Turkish March." To-night is the last appearance in Christchurch of this company, and now general wishes are expressed that a few extra concerts might be given to afford another chance of hearing some of this remarkable artist's performances.