Academy of Music

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4579, 7 September 1883, Page 2

Academy of Music

Without doubt the best concert given in the above Hall for a considerable number of years eventuated last night, when Herr Carl Schmitt the popular and talented conductor of the Auckland Choral Society, and a specially picked concert party, made their first appearance before a Thames audience. In spite of the' wretched weather there was a splendid house, all parts, but more especially the front part of it being well filled. The vocalists were with the exception of Mrs Balgour almost entire strangers here, but from the manner in which they acquitted themselves last night we venture to predict a good reception for them on any future occasion. The orchestra numbered no less than 14 instrumentalists, eight of whom, were members of our local Choral Society, the remainder being the ablest of Auckland's musicians. The two overtures performed by them—" La Couronne dOr " and " Cleopatre "— were magnificently rendered, and taken in conjunction with their accompaniments to the several operatic selections, were to our mind the most enjoyable part of the concert. It is so long since lovers of orchestral music have had the pleasure of hearing good music performed in a masterly manner on the Thames, that last night's performance was to them a genuine treat, and alone was well worth the admission fee. The fir3t of the vocal items was a trio from Verdi's " Ernani," introducing Mrs Cooper and Messrs Stuart and Edwards, and was well rendered. Mrs Eilgour then followed with the Aria " Alia Stella Confidente," Herr Scbmitt accompanying the | piece with the violin ; the item was done full justice to by our fair songstress, and she was rewarded by a considerable amount of applause. Mr Stuart sang " The Old Flag," in which he was fairly successful. " Mai Regendo," a duet from II Trovatore was the nest item on the programme, the vocalists being Mrs Cooper and Mr Edwards, and it served to bring into greater prominence the powerful and cultivated voice of Mrs Cooper. A pretty song, "Shining Stars," composed by Herr Schmitt specially for Mr Edwards, was the next item, and it showed off that gentleman's capabilities toadvantage, the compass of the song being well suited to his voice. Next followed what aroused the enthusiasm of the audience to the highest pitch—a violin solo by that master of the instrument Herr Schmitt. It was entitled " Souvenir d' Amerique," and the manner in which it was performed satisfied his hearers that he was indeed worthy of the title of Mastee. The applause was most enthusiastic ; indeed during one passage the executant had to pause until the excitement had quieted down. In response to an unanimous encore he gave ■'The Last Rose of Summer" and " Home Sweefc Home" in the same masterly and finished manner. The second part of the concert consisted,: of; Offenbach's lively* opef'etta '^The -Bbse of Auvergne," the characters being sustained by Mrs Cooper, Mr -Stuart and Mr Edwards. This pretty little piece went splendidly, the vocalists and orchestra appearing to the greatest advantage Mrs Cooper sang and acted the character of Fleurette capitally. Mr Stuart as Pierre looked, sang, and acted the part to perfection, his singing of the music allotted to the character being really first-class, while Mr Edwards as the timid shoemaker Alphonae did full justice to the part. In consequence of the great success attending the performance, Her Schmitt has, at the solicitation of a number of friends, consented .to give a second concert to-night, when the programme, with several slight alterations —particulars of which appear in another columnwill be repeated. We trust that Herr Schmitt may be induced before long to again pay the Thames a visit, and give lovers of music an opportunity of enjoying such a treat as his present company have given the people.