Lydia Howarde Troupe.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 1004, 26 November 1881, Page 2

Lydia Howarde Troupe.

One of the most tastefully arranged and best executed programmes we have witnessed performed for some time was given in the Academy of Music on Thursday evening last, being a complimentary benefit tendered to Miss Lydia Howarde, by the company, and assisted by some of the local talent of Gisborne. The house was not crowded as we should have liked to see it, or as this lady’s merits deserved, but those who were there thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and had a musical treat. A feature, new to Gisborne, was introduced on this occasion, being selections from the Opera of Maritana in drawing room style — but more clasically termed “ Opera-di-Catnera.” The various selections were pleasingly rendered, but—particularly as the severity of conventional etiquette proscribed encores — the reception of them, though appreciated, was tame. Miss Lydia Howarde comported herself with that affable grace, and graciousness for which she is noted ; and sang with a deliciousness never before excelled, even by herself. Particularly was this noticeable in her rendition of the song “ Sing Sweet Bird,” her lovely cadenzas, and no less brilliant throat trilling, securing for her a marked expression of approbation. Her voice in the duet “ O, Maritana ” with Mr. Towsey was deliciously clear, although a little too pronounced for her companion’s want of compass. She was, however, w ell supported by her youthful aspirant. Miss Jenne Nye’s contralto told w’ith good effect in the “ Sainted Mother” duet with Miss Howarde, and throughout the evening this lady held fast to her time honored claim to the sympathies and approbation of the audience.

Mr. Harry Power sang “ There is a Blower that Bloometh,” very fairly, but, although possessing a good voice, that style of music is not in his line. “ Let Me like a Soldier Fall,” was not in good hands. Mr. Carter has some good tenor notes, but this song was a little too trying. Mr. J. Scott gave a local song, containing a few squibs on the coming elections. It was called “ I don’t think I am very far out,” but when he predicted Mr. Allan McDonald’s return, it was thought he was very far out, and the gallery hooted in sonorance. However, it was a very good song, and elicited an encore. Mr. Towsey’s “ Oh, Say once more I Love Thee ” was not well sung, notwithstanding the possession of a good voice by the singer, his sotto cadences being too awfully awful to be heard. If this gentleman did not put on such an enormous amount of “ side,” some call it, but we call it “front,” he would do much better. But we will forgive hive him in this instance for the artistic way in which he rendered his parts previously.

Mr. W. K. McLean delivered a “ Yankee Election Speech,” and Mr. L. J. Cohen sang “ The Old Sexton ” capitally, and, in response to an encore, gave “My Lodging is the Cellar here.” This gentleman possesses a flexible voice, and gave evidence of cultivated taste and musical ability. The “ Olio ” was followed by the Witches Scene from Macbeth; and we compliment the company on the success they achieved—the lady solos and choruses being particularly well sustained. A screaming nigger farce, entitled “Put Up Your Thumb,” in which Mr. J. Scott acquitted himself very well, brought the entertainment to a close. Our notice will be incomplete if we omit to note the musical presidency of Mr. Watty Hydes. This gentleman is a brilliant player, as all theatregoing people know ; and he displayed a power over his instrument which few pianists possess. In fact under his manipulation, an orchestra can well be dispensed with. The company proceed South by the Oreti to-day, and in wishing Miss Lydia Howarde and her talented assistants good-bye, it is in the hope that we should soon be honored with another visit from them, when, they will, doubtless, receive a hearty welcome.