AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1928, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

ALFRED O’SHEA.

PRINCESS THEATRE, TO-NIGHT,

Alfred O'Shea and his company appear at the Princess Theatre to-night. The Grey “ Argus,” commenting on the first appearance at Greymouth on -Monday night said: Seldom indeed is a Greymouth audience favoured with a visit from a vocal artist of the brilliant calibre ol

Alfred O’Shea, the Irish-Australian tenor, whose concert las> night at the Opera House drew a attendance, and proved a unique musical treat. He is the possessor of a wonderfully flexible vocal instrument, of great range and beautiful quality, which he uses with all the freedom of the consummate artist. Mr O’Shea certainly lived up last evening to the high reputation which, from his successful tour through the Dominion, had preceded him hither and whether in classical compositions, folk songs, or humorous numbers, he was altogether delightful, and it is safe to predict that for his second appearance this evening he will he greeted again by a large and'enthusiastic audience. His associate orbits. Miss Claire Hartge (violiniste) and Aliss Kathleen Fitzgerald (solo pianiste and accompaniste) are both musicians of exceptional ability, and the trio last evening gave a concert which the listeners would all gladly have had prolonged, the repeated encores in every instance showing in no uncertain manner the genuine appeal of the artists. Miss Fitzgerald, after the National Anthem, opened the concert with Chopin’s pianoforte number, “ Ballade in E Flat,'” in which she interpreted the famous composer with fine feeling and brilliant execution, the hearty encore accorded her testifying to the listeners’ appreciation. For his first effort, Mr OlShea chose the naive song, “C’he Gelida Manilla,” from Puccini’s fascinating opera, “La Boheme.” He instantly created a marked impression by the fascinating quality of his voice, as also by the atmosphere and the rich lingual medium in which he portrayed the composer’s theme of confidential and compassionate affection. The singer recalled the most noted of the Sistine Choristers by his ease in handling this classic, just as his rendition later of “La Donne E Mobile ” recalled both Caruso and McCormack. The audience gave the singer an ovation, and he responded with “ When Song is Sweet,” a charming little song, which again drew forth loud plaudits and, in response, the audience were moved to jollity when Mr O’Shea sang, “ The Low-Backed Car” in an inimitable manner, which showed his lighter touch at its best. Miss Claire Hartge quickly ranked herself in the front, rank of the exponents of the violin whom Greymouth aduieucos have heard, by her rendition of Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance, No. 2.” and had even more of an appeal for her hearers in an encore number, after which she had to how her acknowledgements. Mr O’Shea demonstrated his adaptability in the new song “My Desire ” (Cadman), so as to win another ovation, responding with “ Life and Death.” . . Altogether it was a splendid concert, and all lovers of good music would be well advised this evening to hear Mr O’Shea ami hi.s associate artists.