Miss Celia Dampier.

Manawatu Herald, 10 May 1898, Page 3

Miss Celia Dampier.

Last night the hall was only moderately filled to hear Miss Celia Dampier and her company. The wet night together with the fact that the appearance of the company had not been sufficiently advertised, are accountable for many not being there. The reception, however, accorded the young violinste was a most flattering one, and the other members were also well received by an enthusiastic audience.

Mr and Mrs Le Brun sang a duet

41 Hurry up, Pompey," in a finished manner, and Miss Dampier was then introduced to the Foxtos. public. Her first selection was " Yankee Doodle," (Vieuxtemps), and this young performer at once became a favourite with the audience. Miss Dampier's brilliant execution was much admired, and in response io an imperative encore she played a selection from '• 111 Travatore." Mr Le Brun sang the pretty ballad " Oh, Promise Me," in a capital manner, and Miss Hatherly's harp solo " The Echo," was another number much enjoyed, the manner in which she manipulated the instrument being surprising. Mrs Le Brun sang " Dear Heart," in an admirable manner, her fine voice being heard to great advantage. Mr H. J. Fatwhack showed his abilities in a marked degree with an amusing recitation " The Bachelor's Sale," and was twice recalled, giving as encores " The Cork Arm," and "The Suicide." Miss Dampier and Miss Hatherly then played a duet for harp and violin "Aye Maria" (Gounod), and these young ladies had to return and in response played "A Stray Thought*"- this number being also brilliantly played. Mr Meadows was in good voice, and sang "The Nightless Land," being accompanied on the harp by Miss Hatherly. This young lady then played a delightful harp solo, and Mr Fatwhack recited

" The Road to Heaven," Miss Hatherley during the recitation playing the harp. This recitation was well de-

livered, and Mr Fatwhackjhad to obey the demands of the audience by appearing to a double encore. Mrs L e Brun's solo " Gounod's Seranade," was nicely rendered, and Miss Dampier gave a further proof of her marked abilities by playing "Cavatina," and for an encore played " Musin's Mazurka." Miss Hatherley's next selection on the harp was much appreciated. Mi and Mrs Le Brun sang a pretty duet " Lady Moon," and for an undeniable encore sang " Good-night." The last number on the programme was a duet for the harp and violin, the performers being Miss Dampier and Miss Hatherly. Their selection was Rubenstein's melody in F, and they had to respond to an encore. The concert was brought to a close by the whole company appearing on the stage and singing " God Save the Queen." Those who attended the concert and had the pleasure of hearing such a brilliant performer as Miss Dampier last night all speak in the highest terms of. praise of her efforts, and especially for so young a performer. Miss Constance Hatherley's harp selections were also given in a most finished style, and played as has not been heard before in Foxton.

The concert was thoroughly enjoyable, and we'look forward to a return visit from Miss Dampier after the completion of her studies in Europe, where we understand, she intends shortly to go.