A SPLENDID CONCERT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 353, 14 May 1928, Page 15

A SPLENDID CONCERT

EVANS-GANGE SEASON One of the most enjoyable concerts given in Auckland for a considerable time took place in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Saturday evening, when Miss Amy Evans and Mr. Fraser Gange renewed acquaintance with a very large audience of Auckland’s concert-goers. Both artists —and great artists the} 7 are—were warmly greeted by their numerous admirers, and from the outset there was an intimacy established between the soloists and listeners that completely banished the formality and coldness that often make concerts unpopular. The programme submitted had a definite scheme in its construction, as a good programme should have; each item or group had just its right place, and in consequence interest was held until the closing number. Miss Evans has not only a particularly fine soprano voice, but also a superb presence, a dignified deportment, and a gracious manner that greatly add to the charm of her performances. Though suffering from a heavy cold, which was apparent in only one or two of her numbers, Miss Evans sang magnificently throughout the evening. Her beautifully poised head notes are especially lovely, and in “Depuis le jour” the great aria from Charpentier’s “Louise,” and Max Reger’s delicate “Maria Wiegenlied” they were heard to great effect. Miss Evans and Mr. Gange scored quite a triumph in the big duo “Figlia! Mio Padre!” from “Rigoletto.” Finished style and vocalisation marked the success of this exacting number. “Trot here and there” (from “Veronique”) was delightfully and playfully given as an encore. Numerous encores sung by Miss Evans included an effective reading of “Vissi D’Arte” from “Tosca,” and a fine rendering of “Down in the Forest” (Ronald). In the former the closing passages were beautifully sung, while in the latter a fine sustained legato, long phrasing and exquisite head notes made it one of the great successes of the evening. Mr. Fraser Gange has a splendidly produced and powerful baritone voice of excellent quality. He sings with great ease and artistry, and a musicianship rarely met with in singers. He is very versatile, and it is difficult to say which type of song suits him best. His singing of the “Prologue” from Pagliacci was a particularly fine performance. It was free and convincing from beginning to end, and well contrasted both in style and vocal colour. His group of German Lieder included Strauss’s fine song “Traum durch die Dammerung,” which was given a thoughtful and restrained interpretation. Schubert’s “Wohin,” with its rhythmic grace, had to be sung twice to satisfy the audience. “Two Grenadiers” and the closing group of songs were graphically sung, the characterisation in “Farmer John” being especially clever, but care should be taken not to over-do facial expression and change of posture on the concert platform. Many extra numbers were contributed by Mr. Gange—including a very poetic treatment of Quilter’s “Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal” and a vivid rendering of “Mandalay” by Oley Speaks. Miss Enid Conley is the talented solo pianist and accompanist of the party. She plays very deftly and intelligently, and has a good style and touch. Her solos, Chopin’s “Scherzo in C sharp minor” and Waltz in E minor, and Brahms’s Waltz in A flat, were very acceptable contributions to the programme. Her encores were a “Mexican Serenade” (Dent-Mowrey) and “Segundillas” (Albeniz) —this latter was very nicely played. Her accompaniments were in good taste and neat, but at times/perhaps a little too modest in dramatic passages. The next concert will take place on Tuesday evening, when another excellent 'programme will be submited. S.K.P.