A SUCCESSFUL CONCERT.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1919, Page 7

A SUCCESSFUL CONCERT.

THE PAPAKAIOJRA—TE AU PARTY. The largo and enthusiastic audience which the Papakakura—Te Au concert party faced at the Empire Theatre last night was a compliment to the ability and an assurance of the popularity of the singers, as well as an evidence that the public of New Plymouth appreciate a programme of high-class miti/ic. The fact that it was probably the last occasion on which Mr. Papakakura will be heard in New Plymouth for some time was also, no doubt, in part responsible for the good audience. The vocalists were all in good form, and were liberal in the manner of their response to the demand for recalls.

Mr. Papakakura's first number was the beautiful aria from Gounod's "Faus,t," "All Ilail! Thou Dwelling," which was splendidly presented, and for an encore he sang "If You Would I.ove Me." In the second half he sang, with much feeling and effect, Tosti's "Vorei" and "Youth" (Allitsen), both numbers suiting the texture of his/ voice to a degree. He was recalled twice, and sang "A String of Pearls," and "Just Love and You." In the first half he sang, with Mr. N. Day, the duet "Somewhere a Voice is Calling," and for an encore they gave "Farewell to Summer." In both numbers the blend of voices was excellent, and the balance was well controlled. Later, with Miss Te Au, Mr. Papakakura sang Lohr'a "The Day is Done," and for an encore "Maying." Here, again, the effect was good, and both sang with studied appreciation of the other part.

Miss Rene S. Te Au, who has become a fixed favorite in the hearts of Now Plymouth music-lovers, was very successful, and received enthusiastic encores. Her programme numbers included "Inter Nos" (MacFayden) and "Come for 'tis June" (Foster) in the first part, and in the second half "The Lilac Cotton Gown" (Hill) and Tosti's "Good-bye." Her encores were "Waiata Poi," "Fairy Pipere," and "The Birth of Mom." She also sang, with Mr. N. Day, the duet "Rose of My Heart" (Lohr), for which they were encored.

Mr. N. Day, who has not appeared; before a New Plymouth audience for some time, was given a very good reception, and sang with much effect. His first song way Hi;hn's exacting work "Invictus," for which lie was enthusiastically recalled, and gave "Little Mary Fawcett." In the second part lie sang a beautiful ballad of Cadman's, "From the Land of the Sky-blue Water," his encore being "The Call of the Wild." A pleasant variation waa given to the programme by the inclusion of some elocution items, and, though Misa Ethel Jones was only of quite tender years, she did some very effective wqrk, her selections being suitable to her age. and given with an appreciation of the subtle points in the 'irt. Her items included "The Freckle-faced Girl," "The Bald-headed Man," "The Alarm," and "The Kiss in School."

Mrs. Jones, who played the accompaniments with artisiic effect, also contributed some solos, including "The Brook" and Chopin's "Military March" (in A flat), and for an encore Maughan Barnett's "Valse Caprice." The party appear at Inglewood tonight and Waitara on Friday.