VALERIE COLLINS' CONCERT.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 28 August 1912, Page 2

VALERIE COLLINS' CONCERT.

The grand concert given in the Foresters' Hall on Friday last, by Miss Valeric Collins, assisted by city leading artists, afforded Helensville residents the opportunity of heaving the latest phrases of high class music, and the enthusiastic manner in which the various items were encored testified to the hearty appreciation of the audience. Unfortunately Helensville does not receive a fair share of consideration from leading vocalists, and the visit of Miss Collins was esteemed by a wide circle of residents who find it impossible to journey all the distance to Auckland to hear vocalists of the calibre of Miss Collins. The pro* gramme submitted was an excellent one. In her various numbers Miss Collins demonstrated the pitch of ex* cellence which her voice has attained and the talented songstress had to repeatedly respond to encores. Her rendering of "My Am Folk," «« The Silver King,'" "My Dear Soul," and " How Many a Lonely Caravan," admitted of her rich contralto voice being heard in its full strength and minor modulations, and each effort was rewarded with continued applause, Mr A. H. Ripley, the Dominion's premier tenor, captivated his hearers with "Like Stars Above" and ''When Shadows Gather," and encores were clamorously demanded. Mr Ripley possesses a voice of sweet calibre, and as a tenor is without compeer in this country. Mr R. if. Deilow gave excellent rendering of "Nelson'g goi • A-sailing," and "A. Russian Love Song," his rich baritone being heard to advantage. Mr J. E. Lowe's fine baritone effort was applauded in "Trooper Johnny Ludlow." Miss Olive O'Leary was Warmly applauded for her violin solos, her proficiency with the instilment being decidedly marked. Miss J. Little played two piano solos with considerable skill, and acted as accompanist during the evening. Much appreciated items were the duets, Denza's ll Nocturne," and " Keys of Heaven," by Miss Collins and Mr Ripley. The voices blended perfectly and the number plainly showed the superior attainments of both vocalisis.

Miss Collins and her talented Company are booked for Waikato towns, and on completion of that tour will visit the leading coastal towns, ap* pparing }ater on in the principal cities.