CONCERT.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 193, 22 March 1878, Page 5

CONCERT.

A concert in aid of the funds of St. Marks' Church here was given in the Newmarket Hall on Wednesday evening. The weather although threatening rain towards evening turned out fine, and there was a large attendance, the front seats being crowded and the other parts of the Hall well filled. The programme was a pretty extensive one, consisting of six glees by the Glee Club, eleven songs, two-piano-forte solos, and one duet. As to the songs, it is not our intention to indulge in minute criticism. Most of the singers are well known to a Balclutha audience, and it is acknowledged they are fully qualified to take a part in any concert and before the most critical audience. Mr Bree came first on the list with " The Death of "Nelson." This was his first appearance ; here, but his powerful voice and accurate and effective execution at once established his reputation in Balclutha. He seems quite at home upon the stage, and the desire of all must be that his services can be made available on many future occasions. Mrs Nicol followed with "Auld Robin Gray," which she rendered very accurately and feelingly. Since her advent amongst us Mrs Nicol has borne the palm in the Scotch element, and her performance on Wednesday evening fully sustained her reputation. Mr Barlow sang ' *■ Let me like a soldier fall" very sweetly, as did Miss Mansford " 1 cannot sing the old songs," both of which called forth an encore. Mr Marks sung a German song, i but, as was the case with some others, his voice Avas scarcely equal to the Hall. Mr j Bentham sung "The Moon Behind the Hill " very well, and was followed by Mrs Money with *< The Murmur of the Shell," which she executed very feelingly. She possesses a fine clear voice, and sings very tastefully. An encore followed her perpermance. Mr Whiting sang " I'm but a little faded flower " in * such a manner as to produce an enthusiastic encore, for which he gave a comic song of a class not included in the programme. Mrs Hutchins j sung " In Happy Moments " very sweetly. Mr Bree next gave " Would I were with thee," which called forth an encore. Miss Mansford sang " Bell Mahone's Reply," with an effective chorus from behind the scenes. An encore was the result. Misses Dartbn and Brewer gave the duet "Sunshine and Shade" in a very sweet, accurate, and pleasing manner, and received very hearty applause. They had to respond to an encore. Miss Taylor and Mrs Douglas gave pianoforte solos in a splendid style, showing themselves thoroughly acquainted with the music and masters of the instrument. It is really a treat to listen- to music produced by such proficients, and we trust their execution on Wednesday night will induce others in Balclutha to persevere with the piano until they attain somewhat to equal perfection. But it will be admitted by all that the chief feature of the concert was the performances of the Glee Club. From the time the Club has now been in existence, the ability and enthusiasm of the conductor, and the industry and aptitude of many of the members, great things were ex-, pected of them on Wednesday night. But we are sure very few anticipated that such a treat was in store for them. Three glees were sung in the first part, viz., "Hark the Lark," " Since first I saw your face," and " When the winds breathe soft." The following were introduced iri part n : — "Awake Lyre," "Blow gently gales," and "Calm, be thy Slumbers." The Club numbers nearly thirty members, and perhaps one of the most important preliminary objects to attain by the conductor of such , a class is to secure the undivided attention of each individual member. This *Mr Heath has thoroughly accomplished. There is no inertness manifest ; every individual member is actively intent upon the part he or she has . to perform ; every eye is fixed upon the conductor, and his slightest indication is : promptly and simultaneously given .effect : to. Indeed it would ; seem~lfßr if the ■ volumes of harmony were thrown by him*: self from /the point- of his baton,- and were regulated as to force and expression en-

tirely by his own volition. He seems to possess almost mesmeric influence over eveiy member, and as amongst them are many excellent voices, he blends them into one hatmonio ns whole. Some of the pieces were high-class, complicated, and difficult of execution, and yet there was no hesitation, no discord. The members seemed to feel perfect confidonce in themselves . and their conductor, and the various pieces were rendered in a manner far superior to anything ever before listened to in Balclutha. We need not say that they met with enthusiastic applause, and on severed occasions had to respond to encores. We are sure there is only one desire on the part of all who were present on Wednesday night, viz. , that the members of the Club may continue to practice such pieces, and that they may again shortly give the public an opportunity of witnessing their progress. Airs Robert Grigor presided at the piano throughout the evening, and this is saying a good deal. It must cost anyone much time, study, and diligent practice to enable him or her to go through such a number and variety in class of music with the proficiency Mrs Grigor then did. We have no doubt she has the hearty gratitude of the Club and the public for the trouble she has taken on this and many other similar occasions. At the close of the entertainment Mr Knowles briefly addressed the meeting. He assured them that the concert that evening would form one of the most pleas- , ing reminiscences of his stay amongst them. He called for hearty votes of thanks for Mr Heath, the members of the Club, and others who had assisted at the entertainment, and also to Mr Dunne, who, with his characteristic liberality had given the hall free of charge. The vote was responded to with hearty cheers. The Club then sung a verse of the National Anthem, and the proceedings were brought to a close.