Fire Brigade Concert.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4589, 19 September 1883, Page 2

Fire Brigade Concert.

Tlie> concert given in aid of the Shortland Fire Brigade's effort to purchase new hose, last night in the Academy of Music was in every way a thorough and complete success. The hall was crowded to excess, even standing room being a difficult -itnatter to obtain in the front seats The programme was well-selected and the arrangements were satisfactory. Mr Edgejlflnibe was down for two songs, Standard of the Free," and "The Britons Home," and in each he had to submit to an encore, giving in response to the first " Sally in our Alley," and in answer to the second "The Englishman." Miss Phillips made her first appearance, and her rendering of " Here's Christmas Come Again," was deservedly applauded. The inimitable Wiseman's "Loch Ken," brought down the house, and he had to satisfy their longing for more, by giving some additional verses. ■" Bread and cheese and kisses," was very piquanfcly sung by Miss Ferguson, in facfc a listener, could not but feel inclined to think such apparently unsubstantial fare would, well—sustain masculine nature for a considerable time. Mrs Kilgour sang " Waiting," and it would seem sufficient to say that Mrs Kilgour sang it, as everybody knows that when that lady sings anything, the theme of her selection is done full justice to, but this is not enough, her rendition of the song even—if possible—delighted her audience more than any of her previous efforts; in response to an almost overpowering encore, Mrs Kilgour further delighted her audience with "Happy young heart," from The Sorcerer. Mrs Payne's ballad singing needs no comment. Any^ one who has heard it can quite understand how the audience last night applauded it, and re-demanded it. " Don't go, Molly Darling," was so sweetly rendered that " The Widow McShane " had to replace " Molly." As a wind up to the first part, Mr Wiseman produced another "local," detailing the trouble attaching to the purchase of a " bovine " on the Sabbath day, which it is unnecessary to say met with unanimous approval. The duet "The Wind and the Harp," by Mesdames Brassey and Payne, opened the second part, and met with the approval it merited, and was followed by a violin solo by Mr Beale. We hare before referred in terms of praise to this young player's efforts, and we can add no more to our previous remarks ; we would suggest one thing, however, that is, in his selection of pieces for public presentation—something more sterling and worthy of his work than " Trab, Trab," should be taken. In response to an encore Mr Beale gave a fantasia on Scottish airs. Mrs Brassey was deservedly encored for her rendition of "Joyous Life," and in response to the re demand, sang "Ah! Never deem my love can fade," the latter displaying a thorough appreciation of the song and its sentiment by the fair executant. Mr McLiver's " Silver Cup " was the most successful effort we have been treated to at that gentleman's hands, and he had to submit to an,,, encore. .Mr Coath was very successful in his reading ' The Charity Dinner," and though the subject was long, he kept his audience simmering from the commencement of his reading to it's end. Mrs Eilgour and Miss Ferguson sang the duet "We who have lived together,'' and the entertainment was brought to a close by Mr Wiseman singing '■' Our Fire Brigade." This last item was accompanied by scenic effects which elicited the hearty applause of the audience. Superintendent West returned thanks to those who had attended the concert, and to the ladies and gentlemen who had lent their aid to the entertainment. Apologies were received from Messrs Catran and Vowles, who were absent through indisposition, and Mr Steward, who had been compelled to leave town. A dance followed.