MR CON NELL'S CONCERT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2501, 21 July 1888, Page 2

MR CON NELL'S CONCERT.

The first of what promises to be a successful series of " popular concerts," inaugurated by Mr H. Connell, Professor of Music, Hamilton, came oft ou Wednesday evening last. The concert was held in the Public Hall, and was attended by most of the music-loving population of Hamilton, who showed their appreciation of the programme provided by continued applause and numerous demands for encores. The programme, comprising a choice seloction of vocal and instrumental music by wellknown composers, was carefully arranged to suit the various tastes of the audience. Mr Connell was assisted by several wellknown amateurs, and where all acquitted themselves so well, it is, perhaps, invidious to make selections for special mention. We cannot, however, pass over without remark some of the items which particularly pleased. The concert opened with the overture " Los Cloches do Corneville " by Mr Connell (piano) and Dr. Murch (violin) which was brilliantly rendered; followed by song " Bay of Biscay," in which Mr J. Edgecumbe sang with considerable spirit. The most noteworthy items of the first part were Mrs Howard Jackson's song "Magic Music" in which her clear and bell liko voice sounded to great advantage, and for which a vociferous encore was demanded —piano duet selections from " I Puritani," by two of Mr Connell's pupils, Misses A. Sandes and F. Graham, which was well rendered, and in their attention to rhythm and musical expression evidenced careful training Mrs Connell who, in her song " Should he Upbraid "showed perfect command of the beautiful voice with which she is gifted, fairly brought the house down, responding to the unanimous demand tor an encore by giving the familiar, and ever welcome old Jinglish ballad "Drink to mo Only," The second part opened with a novelty to a Hamilton audience in i the shape of several movements, from | Mozart's string quartettes, which were well received. Mr H. Connell Rave a careful and artistic rendering of Beethoven famous Sunate Pathetique, exhibiting considerable command of technique and knowledge of the capabilities ofhis instrument. In deference to an encore ho gave one of Heller's "Nuits Blanches." The pretty English song " Cherry Ripe," sung by Miss Sage, received full justice at her hands. This yonng lady's voice, though not very powerful, is exceedingly sweet and well adapted to the " dear old songs that never grow old." The gem of the evening was undoubtedly the singing of the beautiful duet " 0 that we were Maying," by Mr and Mrs Connell. Mrs Jackson, with her rich voice, contributed another song, " All Hallowe'en," and received an encore. Mr Earnest Forbes delighted a portion of his audience with his comic songs " Killaloe" and Mustard Plaster," receiving the usual encore for each. Mendelssohn's beautiful song "Suloika," sung most artistically by

Mrs Connell, was the last solo on the programme. The singing of Smarts part song "Good Night," and the "National Anthem " brought to a close erne of the most successful concerts in Hamilton. Wo may here refer to the thoughtlessness of some of thoß3 at the back of the hall, who talked loudly and otherwise disturbed_ the singing of some of the ladies. Hamilton audiences have always borne a good reputation for orderliness, which we do not wish to see forfeited. Such ill-manners and abominably bad taste on the part of persons who ought to know better deserves much censure, and we trust there will be no repetition of such conduct in the future.