ERNEST DRAKE'S CONCERT

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 346, 18 January 1918, Page 2

ERNEST DRAKE'S CONCERT

■ A concert company, headed by the : brilliant New Zealand singer, Mr . Ernest Drake, are to appear at the p Premier Hall, Pukekohe, on Thursday evening next. Mr Drake, who has just concluded > a very successful tour of the South- . ern Cities, comes laden with laurels and press eulogies. The possessor of a vibrant voice of exceptional power and quality, to which is added a musical and sympathetic temperament, Mr Drake has established himself ak the popular idol of the musical public of New Zealand. Some twelve months ago when he sang before Madame Melba, the famous diva was decidedly impressed by the beautiful tenor quality of his voice, and predicted for him a brilliant future. The young tenor has since made great strides in the musical profession, and has achieved I maLy notable successes on the concert platform and in Oratario. At a recent performance given in Gisborne by the Orphans Society Mr Drake had a most enthusiastic reception. Though the night was cold and cheerless a very large crowd allured by the reputation of the tenor, ventured out and they were amply rewarded. Mr Drake was given a reception which amounted toan ovation each time he appeared. After his rendition of " Come into the Garden Maud " the applause was tremendous. There is in Mr Drake's fresh and vibrant v 'ice that element of unpremeditated joyousness, which makes an irres and universal appeal. Tlij .-iipporring company comprise j artists well ;i.nd favourably known in | miisi.-, il circbs The contralto. Ma lame Stuur Dallas, lmikes hrl first appearance in the i>lor'htr.i ' I Province; she is a singer with atru » ! contralto voice, the lower register being rich in quality and resonant in tone At a recent Dunedin Orchestral concert Madame Dallas's sinking of Thomas' " A Summer Nigh"," met with h tumultuous reception In writing of the performance the press critics declared her to be an artist worthy of C iveat Garden. Miss Clarice Wood, the solo pianist and accompanist, is a player of skill aud temperament, who has won many , musical hono r.s and tins frequently ( delighted Auckland audiences Mr , To-:i Harris, the popular entertainer, is a host in himself. In dramitic j reci .tl character sketch, Humour or , p:nhos, Mr Harris is equally at • home. His hobby is the character son;; jvhich lie sings in a biithsome b intone of quite good quality, i The c impany is exceptionally talented and should be greeted wi'h a bumper house. The boy plan is open at the B >ok- ( civ ,