GRAND CONCERT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5010, 14 April 1877, Page 2

GRAND CONCERT.

A grand amateur vocal and instrumental concert, in aid of the funds of St. Mark’s Church, was given at the Odd Fellows’ Hall last evening, under the patronage of his Excellency the Governor, who arrived soon after eight, attended by his suite. The hall was exceedingly well filled with a large and fashionable audience, who showed their appreciation of the excellent selection of music performed by repeated encores. The overture by the band, led by Mr. Chas. Bennington, was exceedingly well played, notwithstanding a marked want of bass, which gave it rather a shrill tone, which defect, however, was afterwards remedied, to the great improvement of the orchestra. Callcott’s “Last man” was then sung very finely, and it was proved by the spontaneous encore following the effort that Wellington audiences are not likely to soon weary of hearing the singer’s fine baritone voice. “Eily Mavourneen” was then sung by a gentleman, who received great applause and narrowly escaped an encore, as did indeed nearly all the soloists, the audience seeming undecided throughout which was really the best, so excellent were all. A pianoforte sole then followed, entitled “ Highland Gems,” and introducing two of those beautiful Scoth airs of which it seems impossible to become tired, rendered still more touching by the exquisite variations. An encore was vociferously demanded. “ I think then of thee,” soprano solo and violin obligato, was then charmingly rendered, followed by Carmusci’s “ Salve Regina.” “ The hunter's farewell ” was then sung in an exceedingly masterly manner by a gentleman whose song proved how much can be done by expression and careful rendering, though the voice may not be by any means powerful or fine. “Immenso Jeovha” having been sung by a young lady who possesses a beautifully clear and pleasing voice, the first part was brought to a close by Beethoven’s sonata, op. 24, on violin and pianoforte, the soul-stirring strains of the great composer being exquisitely rendered by Mr. Bonnington, who is almost a perfect master of that most difficult of instruments, the violin. The runs at the commencement of the allegro movement were especially clear. The second part commenced with an overture, played exceedingly well by the orchestra ; followed by Molloy’s “Vagabond,” splendidly sung. “ Sweetand low,” withoboeobligato,wasthensungbyayoung lady whose reception proved her to be a highly popular favorite; followed by “It was a dream” and “Happy moments,” with violin obligato, both of which were fairly rendered. A duet, “Morning,” was next charmingly sung by two ladies, whose reception was most enthusiastic. A pianoforte solo, entitled Ascher’s “Nocturne,” was then played by a gentleman with great firmness and brilliancy, which drew forth an encore, and the orchestra gave selections from “ Norma ” in an exceedingly finished manner, thus concluding a very successful and pleasant concert.