The Concert.

Manawatu Herald, 4 October 1894, Page 2

The Concert.

The concfirb on Tuesday evening on behalf of the State School Fund was financially and otherwise a pronounced success. The audience was large and appreciative, and the items were warmly applauded. The stage appointments were very effec- . tive, and reflected great credit on the decorators ; in fact, it may be said that the stage has not for a long time looked so well as on this occasion. It presented a very comfortable and cosy aspect, being fitted up as a drawing room Most of the songs and other items were not altogether new to a Foxton audience, which is easily accounted for in the hurried manner in which the concert was got up, thus preventing many from having any new selections ready in time. The programme consisted of ten items in each part, and punctually at eight the first overture — a pianoforte duet—" The Witches' Danoe," ; •by Mi**a9 WUUftmi and Whyte wai

rendered, bright and sparkling, and extremely; well played; it Was de,; servirig 4 of the warm applause Which 1 followed. MrS. M. Eririis, acco;nl--panied by, Mr_Tiraniirigj tHe fijrflt soloist; with a song entitled " THe picture turned towards the Wall;'! and the audience p"rdiitp.tty re-called y him tor a r'epitjtioiij mid fie iajig the last verse. " .brink, puppy, drink," was sung by Master Dernier. This iittie chap of about 6 years sang it very nicely, and well earned. ( the artplause He received 1 . Mr-4T» &* Stilß- -> sell's comic song was an gn^irely new one to the audience, and was sung in character — " Mr Enery Awkins," took well. The pretty duet " Ora pro nobis," . sung by Misses Williams and H. Biirr Was, to our mind, ohe of the genis of the evening, being sung with great feel*^; incr, their voices blending well td* gether. The riefct was ahotfaer enj tyable number " Queen of the Earth," by Mr Hardy, a new singer on the Foxton stage. This gentleman possesses a splendid bass voice of Wide 1 rarigej dnd. is a. decided, .acquisition 1 to our musical circles. We hibpe to hear him on many future Occasions, and it was unfortunate that he "was unable to obtain a copy 'of his song for the second part of the programme. Mrs Mitchell'3 rendition of " Si tv savais," was pleasing, and Mi 1 Cook, accompanied with a rattling^ good chorus behind the scenes, gave " $h;e Powder Monkey," and contributed " If I were a knight of the olclen time, 1 ' for an encore: Miss H. Burr received a deserved encore for 'her song " What shall I say," which" she sang very conquettishly. The :;first part of the programme was concluded by a character song, entitled "The -crossing sweeper," by Miss Nettie Williams. Her raga and tattefcs were very good, and she was loudly encored, and gave a repetition of the hist verse. An interval of- ten minutes and then a glee " See our oar 3 " by the company of ladies and gentlemen takiQg part in the concert was given, and was particularly well sung. We think the introduction of more part singing would be appreciated at our concerts. Mrs Dermer Followed with " Will he come," which she sung with great taste and expression, as is usual in this lady's singing. Miss Oiarty Hamer, in her chatacter'song " Buy a Broom " was very good^ This little lady possesses a ver.y ; sweet voice and. received a well -merited mcore, for which she gave " Grand- -, ma." " Take me back to homeland' mother," introduced us to "another new Binger — Mr Duff—this gentleman also having the. assistance ofna chorus. . :This soing i-brpught,fi(lown the house, and for an encore he sang the last verse. The soft chorus was exceptionally good. _" What are the wild waves sft-yingi"-^a duet by Mr Cook and Mrs Derraer was next, and was very well sung. Miss William** l solo '• Anchored " was another pleasing number, and the audience would not be content until this lady made her re-appearance. For the edfhre}" Miss Williams sang" Auntie "which was also much enjoyed. -Mr Stansell's comic song " I've worked eight ' hours this day," of course fairly brought down the house, and was most vociferously encored, he having worked the back part of the audience to a pitch of excitement, Td satisfy their hunger tor more Be sang the last verse. Mr S. M. Enniswas equally successful with his song 11 After the ball," and in response bowed his acknowledgments. The recitation by Mr T. a change. frbnx the; singing, \fi,^a jjras much applauded. The recitation was entitled " A Modern Sermon." " The three old maids of Lea," sang by Mrs Cook, Misses Williams and H. Burr was the last number, and although sungon other occasions here : created a deal of amusement, the dresses and make-np of the ladies being excellent, and the acting perfect. The audience were not to be, denied a repetition, old antf young '■ alike applauding. The three olcF maids returned and sang another verse, which concluded the -programme, and sent all that attended the performance home after spending a most enjoyable evening. , . Miss Burr and Mrs"' Cbo'k accompanied most oF'tlie performers, and acquitted themselves 'weli, arid Mr Cook acted as stage-maniger." : Mr Williams, on behalf th 6 Seh&ni' ' Committee, before 1 the'cldae'of ttfe concert thanked the audience for their attendance, also those who had assisted to make it the success it was. He announced that it was the first of a series that would be held. We believe the suui of -a lHtteQVe'r £9 was taken, and aboufc>£& dsJßct is the outcome of this first shilling popular concert/ which is Very creditable indeed, and great praise is due to all those who in any assjsfced^ej make it such a succesß.; ; ; , ...:: ■ I