ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2760, 15 March 1910, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ANDREW BLACK CONCERT CO

A hearty welcome was accorded to the Andrew Black Concert Company in His Majesty’s Theatre by an audience which, although it might well have been larger, could not have been much more enthusiastic. Mr Black is a great favorite with Gisborne folks on account of his exceptional vocal gifts and genial personality. He is the possessor of a full-toned resonant baritone voice, and, although apparently suffering from a slight cold, was heard to. great advantage in his several numbers last evening. His opening song was Lassen’s charming little production “It was a Dream,” arid with it was bracketed the delightful “Vittoria, Vitttoria” (Carrissimi), a bravura song winch admirably suited his voice. In response to an encore he delighted the audience with a splendid rendition of the evergreen “Village Blacksmith.” In the first part of the programme he also, sang the bracketed numbers “To Anthea’’ (Hatton), and “Non Piu Andrai” (Mozart). The baritone's reading of the first of these was exceptionally fine, the number affording him an excellent opportunity of displaying his upper register. He chose as an encore number “The Land o’ the Leal” in which he (played his own accompaniment. Later on in the evening Mr Black sang a genuinely beautiful little song, “Turn ye to Me,” a. sweet number full of gentle cadences. His singing of “The Cameron Men” was a veritable triumph and earned for him rapturous applause. He responded to a double encore with a. quaint and humorous Irish song “Och, the dear little girl,” bringing out all its. artful lartlessness, and with one vers-* of “The Mother Seal’s Song.” Anton Tscliaikov, the violinist of the party, is a very capable artist, and speedily placed himself en rapport with the audience. His technique is remarkably good and Iris playing clean and sympathetic. He was first heard with Miss Lilian Delaney in the duet “Sonate" (Leclair), and* later played the favorite “Andante and Finale” of Mendelssohn’s concerto, for which he was accorded a. recall. His best effort- was undoubtedly the “Ballade and Polonaise” of Vieuxtemps, charming numbers, full of intricate passages, and which he treated discerningly. He was again the recipient of a; decided recall. Miss Iley Cross, the contralto, received -much applause "for her singing of Gluck’s ■■Che Faro” (Orpheo), and as an encore number sang sweetly “Thinking of Thee.” Later she sang “Out on the rocks,” D’Hardelot’s pathetic ballad “Three green bonnets,'’ and “Bra,w, Braw Lads.” Miss Lilian Delaney, the pianiste of the Company, accompanied the other performers in <a most tasteful and artistic manner. She displayed marked ability and received well merited applause for her soli “Wedding Day” (Greig) and “Ritoiumelle” (Chaminade). Taken all round the company is a strong one. Mr Black is, naturally, the great attraction, but the concert as a whole is distinctly good, and was evidently keenly appreciated by those who were present. To-night the final concert in Gisborne will be given, when Mr Black .will sing “Blow blow, thou wintry wind” (Sargent), and “Young Dietrich” (Henscliel). Anton Tscliaikov will play “Zogineruiesen” (Sarasate), __ “Serenade” (Drigo-Auer), and “Oauzonetta” (Ambrosio.)

PATHE PICTURES. The Pathe Pictures have kept the public supplied with cinematograph novelties for a long while now, and at His Majesty’s Theatre another new programme is announced for to-morrow night. The star feature is a lengthy series depicting “Consul the Great” (the trained ape), and his trip across the Atlantic. This novel film shows “Consul” on shipboard. investigating a pocket handkerchief, climbing tlie rigging, hemming a handkerchief, exercising on a bicycle, playing a game of ball with juvenile passengers, on roller skates, at the dinner table, at “sniokeoli,” and preparing to retire. Another strong feature of this programme is a film of Shakespeare’s drama, “Richard III.” powerfully depicted by favorite American artists. Other good subjects are: “The Faithless Lover,” “For Her Sake,” (dramas), “The New Stenographer,” “A Trip through the Swiss Alps,” “Brittainy Lasses,” and a good selection of humorous items. - a.s programme will lie shown to-morrow night, and for Thursday a special St. Patrick’s programme will be submitted, including scenes in Ireland, and a drama entitled “The Brave Irish Lass.”