POPULAR CONCERT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2257, 11 June 1880, Page 2

POPULAR CONCERT.

The first «d' a series <•!' popular enhnlaimneiits designed to beguile in a pleasant and profitable manner, the long

winter evenings, took place in tbc Wesleyan Schoolroom, Bank street, last evening. There was u large attendance every seat in the building being comfortably filled. The Lev. Mr Simmons presided, and took charge of tho programme, which comprised vocal and instrumental selection.;. The details were faithfully carried out, and the way in which the contributors were applauded slowed that their efforts were highly appreciated. The instrumental, or rather pianoforte music proved an important feature. Mr N. Muller performed the overture in the first part in a way that gave eminent satisfaction. The overture in tho second and concluding part fell to ?dissßall, and her rendition of that charming hnt intricate composition “ Silvery Waves” made a most favorable impression, the precision, delicacy of touch, yet apparent ease with which she executed tho most difficult and ilurid passages, evidencing a proficiency which is rarely attainable except where arduous application and high natural gifts are combined. Mr Statham performed a solo in the first part and was rapturously applauded. This gentleman’s qualities as a musician of the highest culture, arc too familiar to require reference at our hands. Tho members of tho Choir rendered some glees during tho evening, and although there was a perceptible harshness and the lad}- singers were to a great extent overpowered by the baritone voices, their efforts on tho whole afforded satisfaction. Tho “A. 13.0.” duet by Miss Warrington and Mr Tichbon allnrdcd considerable merriment, as did a couple of recitations by the. last-men-tioned gentleman. “Larboard watch,” by Messrs Gilchrist and Saxon, was one of the greatest triumphs of tho evening. Mr Soxon’s rendition of “ Nil Despcrandnm” was very effective, but “ Now my Courage,” wtn’eli lie gave in response to an encore, was a rather ambitions effort, and tried the range of his voice. The operatic trio, by .Miss Statham and Messrs Walcott and Foster, was deservedly applauded, and a ballad, “Thy Face is always Near,” by Mr Walcot, was sung with pathos and expression, and was well received. “Jessie’s Dream,” by Miss Statham, was so charmingly rendered, as to provoke quite a furore, and she had to appease the audience by a quaint Scotch song, the name of which we have not ascertained. Mrs Evans rendered material assistance during the night, and her song “ The Ship-boy’s letter,” was quite a gem in its way. “The Brook,” a charming little ballad in its way, was pleasingly sung by Mrs Holdgate, and Mr Foster’s rendition of “Tho Scout,” early in the evening, was heartily applauded. Altogether the entertainment passed oil" most successfully, and after the good impression conveyed, wo have no doubt that the scries which it is the forerunner, will be amply patronised.