PROFESSOR SWALLOWS' CONCERT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 486, 27 July 1912, Page 5

PROFESSOR SWALLOWS' CONCERT.

This concert was undoubtedly one of the finest ever given in Te Kuiti, but unfortunately the attendance was small owing to the political banquet on the, same evening. The four trios for violin, violoncello and piano were well chosen and finely rendered. The one from Wanger's Tannhauser was both effective and digniified, the tremolos for violin and piano, with the chief subject by the violoncello, were very appealing: the charming and delicate romance from Haydn's "Queen" symphony was quite fairy like in its grace and spontaneity; th<v beautiful larghetto from a quintet of Mozart was played with great finish and exactness; while the celebrated minuet of Boccherini was really magnetic in its vivacity and abandon. The first of the solo items was the famous cavatina from "Roberto," sung by Miss Clifford, who possesses a true high soprano voice of fine quality, and who certainly knows how to use it. The next number was Professor Swallow's piano solo, the celebrated prayer from Rossini's "Mcsse in Egypt," transcribed by Thalberg. It was a glorious performance. The principle theme was delivered with a dramatic and soulful reading quite captivating, while the brilliant fiorituri were played with a dexterity .truly marvellous. The lovely gardenscene from Gounod's "Faust" was next interpreted by Mrs P. J. Quirk and Mr PattisoD, and this was indeed one of the gems of the evening. The mellow quality of Mr Pattison's voice combined with the sympathetic reading of Mrs Quirk's formed a most charming ensemble. The next item on the programme was a violin so!o by Mrs A. C. Johnson, two bracketed numbers, viz.: Raff's Cavatina, and Spohr's Bararole. It is quite superfluous to say that these were rendered in a most elegant and artistic manner. In her violin playing ton lady always delivers a real message, and makes the violin sing of noble thoughts and deeds. Mr E. C. Tassell was quite inspired in his rendering of "The King's Champion," and sang it with a commanding and regal majesty which was most convincing. The song suited his style perfectly, and proved to be one of the best items of the evening. Mrs McColl gave a graceful and intelligent rendering of Trotere's "Within Your Heart.'-' and in the second part also sang "An Embiem" with much taste and refinement. Mrs P. J. Quirk sang Lord Somerset's "Echo" with consummate feeling and art, her phrasing and enunciation being extremely pure and clear. Mr Bartley astonished the audience by his superb playing, on the violoncello,, of Golterman's "Le Rve." It was a very fine performance. Mr Tassell quite took the audience by storm in his accomplishment of "Simon the Cellarer." In one sense it was veritably the piece de resistance of the evening. This was followed by the most exquisite violin playing of Mrs A. C. Johnson in two dainty numbers, viz. "Sehusuckt" and "Hoffnung," by Mallard. The effect was really magical. The last song on the programme was the famous "la Bacio," sung in English by Miss Clifford, who deseves the very highest praise. The accompaniments were all played by Professor Swallow, whose taste and skill are sufficiently celebrated to need no comment. If the conceit was repeated, after a short interval, there would no doubt be a very much larger audience. Some of the toilettes worn at the concert were quite superb. Mrs A. C. Johnson wore a magnificent robe of amber-coloured satin with an overdress of black lace; Mrs P.J. Quirk appeared in a beautiful grey velvet gown with salmon pink velvet trimmings: Mrs McColl was dressed _ in pink satin trimmed with birgle trimmings; and Miss Clifford wore a rich brown velvet robe with gold trimmings. Some exquisite jewels were also in evidence. In the audience, too were seen some lovely gowns and rare gems. It was altogether a brilliant evening.

> CURLE'S PICTURES

Despite the wet, cold night a large and appreciative audience witnessed this company's programme on Thursday evening. The films were all of an interesting nature and their projection on the screen very clear. "The Bride cf the Nile," perhaps, was the best picture shewn, and dealt with ancient Egyptian history, its setting and colouring being a treat to see. "The Pony Express" was a good exhibition in horsemanship, while the acenics and comedies were of a high

order. No one should miss attending the Skating Rink on Wednesday evening when one of the greatest productions of cinematography will be screened. "The Adventures of Ulysses" is taken from ancient Greek literature, and is a sequel to the "Fall of Troy." It contains 3000 feet of interesting ltuations from beginning to end. Another picture shows the flight of Miss Quimbv across the English Channel, the firs't person to successfully accomplish this feat. As previously stated 25 per cent, of the takings will be handed over to the Hospital Fund.