MRS. BUTLER’S CONCERT.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 228, 5 September 1884, Page 2

MRS. BUTLER’S CONCERT.

The vocal and instrumental concert announced for last evening, under the conduct of Mrs. Butler, had the effect of drawing together a crowded house. The raising of the curtain disclosed quite a picture—upwards of thirty performers, mostly juveniles, arranged in all the colors of the rainbow. The programme opened with a sparkling overture by an octette of performers on four pianos, viz. :— Misses Buchanan (2), Sigley, Dickson, and Maher, and Masters Haughey, Sheriff, and Ross. When it is recollected that many of these little people took their first lesson within the last twelve months it must be conceded that they have made wonderful progress. Miss Walters sang “ Let your tears kiss the flowers on my grave,” with chorus by the other performers. Several bouquets were showered on the young lady at the conclusion of her effort. The little Misses Buchanan then played a selection from “ Lucrezia Borgia.” The next two items “ The Goodbye at the Door,” (Mr. Edwards), an I “ O, Erin my Country,” (Mr. Butler), were received in a manner such as two similarly accomplished singers might have expected. Two trios “ A little farm well tilled,” and “ Dame Durden ” fairly brought down the house and had to be repeated. Mr. Goldsmith s “ Four Jolly Smiths,” was duly applauded. “ Chime again beautiful bells,” was then played by Misses Scott, Cannon, Graham, Nasmith, Buchanan, Sigley, Nash, and J. Graham. Master J. Graham, their appeared in the character of Sir Joseph Porter. K.C.8., and sung the Admiral’s song from Pinafore. As an encore he sang “ When I was a Lad.” If the audience had had their way the youthful performer, who was admirably got up, would have had to sing the whole opera through. Next came the “ Peri Valse,” by Misses Ross, Dickson, Buchanan (2), Sigley, Masters Haughey, Sheriff, and Ross. Miss Sarah Buchanan then sang, “ Cradle’s empty, baby’s gone.” This charming little Miss has all the style and finish of a much older singer, and was called on to repeat her selection. Mrs. Butler and Miss Morgan sang a duet, and Mr. O’Meara followed with the “ Englishman.” This gentleman has established himself as a popular favorite. Mrs. Butler then gave the “ Cradle song of the poor” with great taste. We must give Mr. James Haughey (one of Mrs. Butler’s pupils) a word of praise for his playing of several accompaniments. The “ Vesper Hymn was then played by Misses E. Scott, Nash, Buchanan, Sigley, and Masters Ross (2), and Haughey. Mr. Edwards sang “Give me thy heart ” with his usual taste, and the chorus “ Auld lang syne ” brought to a close one of the most successful musical evenings it has yet been our pleasure to attend in Gisborne. Mrs. Butler is to be highly complimented on her success as a teacher, and as an accompanyist she is a thorough artiste. Only four pianos were used, and we are requested to state that this was owing to the fact that the fifth one could not be got in tune in time for the entertainment. The instj uments were supplied by Messrs. Large & Townley.