A Lady's Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 11 August 1894, Page 3

A Lady's Letter.

WkiiLixgton, August Ofch, 1893. I do not seem to have much to discourse about to-day, but, in case you should feel neglected if I did not, I will send a few lines. The Montague-Turner Opera Company has been the only dissipation since last I wrcte. They gave " The Bohemian Girl " on Tuesday night, but it was not nearly as good as any other of their productions. Miss Montague's " I dreamt that I dwelt " was splendid and Miss Cicely Stantoa was also acceptable, her voice having improved considerably since we heard her before, but Mr Walshe was inanimate and expressionless to a degree and as he had to keep his eyes fixed on the baton throughout the performance, it was not likely that his acting would be brilliant. Mr Farley too, was inclined to be out of tune, and was not altogether heard to advantage in any of his songs. The performance was a great contrast to that of "Maritana" and "Carmen," which were almost as good as one could reasonably wish for. They played " Carmen " again last night and are to give " Fatinitza" on Saturday and the last named will be new to us. Musical people here are looking forward with much pleasure to the opening of the Belle-Cole Company to-night, for they come with a reputation and I am told, by one who has heard them, that they will fully sustain it. Owing to the Montague Company having the Opera House they are obliged to engage the Theatre Royal for their season of 4 nights. Mrs (Dr) Fell and Mrs Tolhursfc both gave large afternoon "At Homes " to-day, there being a large number of guests at each, many people going first to one and then on to the other. The usual tea and chatting with intervals for music made the time pass pleasantly at both houses. Mrs Fell gave hers for Miss Fell, her niece, who is visiting her from Nelson. The Artillery Ball (D. Battery) are to give their annual ball tomorrow night at Thomas' Hall and on the following Monday night Mrs George Hutchison is to give another "At Home." Other invitations for dances have been issued by Mrs (Dr) Adams, for the 18th, and Miss Pearce for the 28rd of August. The choruses for the coming Musical Festival are beginning to " shape " splendidly. I went to the last practice and was quite astonished at the progress that has been made during the last couple of months. " The Creation " may also be regarded as finished and also " Israel in Egypt." They are struggling valiantly now with " The Spectre Bride," a magnificent but extremely difficult work by Deoorak, and next week are to begin "The Golden Legend" and are also to try the effect of the orchestra with some of the well-known choruses. Mr Robert Parker is conductor, and Mr Theo Ritchey, Hon. Sec. I believe Mr Alfred Hill is training the orhestra and that the committee have already chosen the soloists, but have not yet received replies from all. The only local soloist chosen is Mr John Prouse — therefore there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth among the rest of the professionals — but you know what musicians are and will not be surprised. Siqna.