The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-10-23
ADDITIONAL CITY NEWS
WAS COMPLETE SUCCESS.
Lyceum Course Opened by Fine Must
cal Entertainment.


Last evening at the Toler auditorium a
very large and appreciative audience
greeted the splendid musical attraction
the Whitney Moekridge Grand Concert
company of London. No more favorable
condition nor suspicious circumstances
could have been desired for the opening
attraction for the lyceum course.
perfect evening, warm and baimy, with
the moon giving light and glory to the
night, the exquisite music, the represen-
tative audience-an We're in accord and
the result was an evening Of rare enter
tainment and the ushering in of the fin
est course of the lyceum. Packed up
stairs and down was the whole house,
and nearly every seat is now secured.
On the south side OF the hall beneath the
balcony is the section allotted 10 the
Friends university and there are just sew
enty-five in this one school representa-
ton. Paramount and other schools also
are largely represented in the students
section.
The stage was tastefulIy adorned with
palms, rubber plants, rare foliage and
tropical plants Of many varieties. The
entertainment commenced promptly at
$40 and this punctuality will continue
throughout the season
The first number was piano and violin
rendition by Mrs. Whitney Mockridge and
Mr.. Gerald Walenn. The second number
was a soprano solo. III Bachia." a waltz
song. by Miss Gertrude Maxted. This
talented young vocalist is fortunately
possessed with a charming personality in
addition to her splendidly trained voice
which has wonderful range and power
and sweetness, together with an express
sion which is pure and intense. This
was encored with enthusiasm. The first
appearance of Mr.. Mockridge was the
signal for most cordial welcome by the
audience who had been impatiently
awaiting his appearance on the program.
He first rendered THE Way of the Cross
and there is little question that he GER
tainly is the very finest tenor who has
ever appeared IN Wichita. His enuncia-
ton is perfect, a rare feature of most
singers, and every syllable could be read
lily distinguished. His is certainly pure
tenor voice with rare vigor and robust
ness and resonance. He has an ideal
physique, broad chested and complete
control Of all the muscles Of articulation.
The power and the force are present but
always mellowed and tempered by an ex-
quisite gentility and ease Of expression.
He was called back three times IN nearly
every appearance. In the last number
of the first part. in the duet with Miss
Maxted, the encore was a cute little
selection representing a Irritation which
ended happily for all concerned. Here
in the role of the humorous and facetious
Mr.. Mockridge displayed his ability as
an actor and his histrionic talent. This
added TO a stately dignity when retiring
from the stage and an ease and natural
sincerity the mellow tones deep and roll
ing, the almost ethereal whisper, all were
distinctly understood and he makes his
hearers to feel music rather than &c
merely listen like the naturalization oil
accidents. There is no apparent effort
and as he is thoroughly in earnest him
self so he thrills his audience by pierre
ing their every sentiment emotion with
the passionate throbbing of rich and soul
full melody. His third appearance in
Flow Gently Sweet Alton" was perhaps
his best and the tender dulcet strains of
this old and yet ever new anthem whose
very simplicity has made It enduring anc
dear 10 every heart. seemed to lull and 70
soothe as the dainty touch of delicate
finger tips upon finely attuned glasses.
With Miss Maxted he appeared in the
last number in the prison scene from Vir-
dis opera III Trovatore."
Mr.. Gerald walenn gave his best ex-
hibition in the second appearance. Sou !
venir de Moscow" Here he displayed
his fine expression and mastery techni-
que. The music was difficult but he
showed his refined Interpretation Of It
and his trained ability. He was encored
each time and responded with some Sc
lection which showed forth his delicacy
OF touch and thorough understanding OF
his theme.
In all it was a most satisfactory OPEN
ing and the high order Of this company's
performance viii always be remembered (
by all present.
The next number win be on Saturday. /
November second. and will be the Rev. /
Thomas Dixon IN his famous lecture /
backbone