MR.PARKER'S CONCERT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5735, 16 August 1879, Page 3

MR.PARKER'S CONCERT

A' concert wasgiyen in the Athenrenra Hall last night on behalf of Mr. Robert Parker, it being the first occasion of what is to -be "an annually-recurring event. The inauguration of the series was not, very successful, for, owing to several other excellent entertainments taking place at the same time, one or two election meetings being held, a bitterly bleak wet night, a high price of admission, and several minor preventive causes, the audience was but small ; and thus it happened that a programme, in whose compilation much labor and care had evidently been bestowed, and which has not been equalled in the city for a very long time past, was rendered to an assemblage that did not more than half fill the hall. This is to be regretted on several grounds. Mr. Parker, by his unwearying labor and interest in several branches of . his - profession, has established himself very - high in the estimation and respect of . every musically-inclined person in the city, and the failure from an attendance point of view of the first concert given here on his-own behalf will be regretted by many. It may indeed be said that the patronage even of-so; many as were present, in spite of the causes enumerated, is a convincing proof of the existence of the feeling alluded to. It is to he hoped, however, that Mr. Parker will not be deterred by the result of the concert, but will choose a favorable opportunity of repeating it on ah early date, when we venture to predict he will he amply compensated, for the shortcoming of last evening. Regarding the performance itself little need be said. The pergramme, as before stated, was most carefully prepared, the vocal and instrumental parts being agreeably diversified—the latter slightly predominating. Among the items were no less than three operatic overtures —those to “ Wil-

liam Tell,” “Z mpi," and “Figaro,” several glees, songs by Mrs. Cotterell, &a. The instrumentalists engsg-.-i! w«r .’ tim best performers on their respective in. l '.: 'i A? to be obtained in the city, and therefore the share of work falling to them was executed in an excellent manner. The programme was somewhat long ; indeed, an ellipsis* wa- rendered necessary on that account. All engaged in the concert are to he commended for the way in which they performed their duties, despite the depressing influence referred to, and the only cause of regret is that a great amount of anxiety, labor, and care, should have been expended in the preparation and rendering of a high-class musical entertainment for so small a pecuniary result.