ORCHESTRAL CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 305, 13 September 1918, Page 6

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT

FOR THE DAMP ENTERTAINMENTS FUND. There should have been a much larger audience at the concert given by the Wellington Orchestral Society in tho Concert Chamber than was the case last.evening in aid of the funds to keep the camp entertainments going, and, if for that purpose aione, the eociety was clearly entitled to more generous support. Apart from the object served, tho programme was quite an interesting one musically. With more careful rehearsal and discipline, the eociety has the makings of a fairly good orchestra, capable at least of keeping the lamp burning until happier days return. Tho programme opened with the'-overture to Schubert's unknown opera "Fierrabras," a very spirited and musicianly work that should be heard again, as it is onty with some measure or. familiarity that the beauties of such music can be thoroughly appreciated. Mozart's bright and vigorous "Symphony, in A Major" returned as a very old friend to remind one of the fadeless genius cf that master melodist. The allegro moderate movement was played with confidence, if its native refinement was not fully realised. The very beautiful. "Andante" movement, with muted strings, brought out the strength of that section, but unfortunately tho wood-winds were hardly as accurate or reliable as one could have desired. The Menuetto was vigorously played, and the final allegro con spirito movement, with its strong rythmic force, was admirably played. In the second half of the programme the orchestra played the "Rosamunde" entr'acte (Schubert), which, for the greater part, consists of delightful work for the wood-winds to a string accompaniment, but the weakness of the solo instruments was too marked to register complete success. In one passage the flute was aggressively flat. The orchestra, thanks to better knowledge perhaps, revelled joyously in Brahm's inspir'ting "Hungarian Dances" (Nos. 1 and 2), but delipicy was lacking in the "Meditation" from. ['Thais" (Massenet), which is a beautiful number when artistically registered. Other. numbers were Elgar's "Rosemary" and Percy Fletcher's English rural suite, , "Woodland Pictures," a number replete with thoroughly characteristic touches. Mr. Harry Tombs conducted. TJie orchestra was assitsed -by two vocal soloists. Mis Violet Murphy, a soprano new to Wellington, and tho possessor of a sweet-toned voice of good strength over a wide range, made a favourable impression in "Solveig's Song" (Grieg). Her interpretation of Mozart's "Deh Vieni noil Tardar," which she : sang in Italian, was inclined to be perfunctory. In the second part Miss Murphy revived that sweet old ballad, ''She Wandered Down the Mountain Side" (Clay), hut her simplicity and tonal charm were better displayed in the encore number, "Believe Mo if All Those Endearing Young Charms," for which sho was again recalled. Mr. Sigurd Lestrup, tho Danish baritone, sang Tschaikoysky's "Benediction" with rare understanding, and. for an encore,, sang "Vulcan's Song" from "Philamone Bacchus" (Gounod) with spirit. Later he sang two little Danish songs (in Danish), "Fangen" ("The Captive"), a weird, plaintive melody with a final note of defiance, and '"Nil Brister" ("Springtime"). Mr. AV. Foster played the accompaniments most artistically. ■ - During the interval Mr. R. Darroch, on behalf of those connected with the camp entertainments, thanked the Orchestral Society for its generosity, and made it clear that monetary help was needed to keep them going. On an average four concerts were given every week in camp, and it is estimated that 70,000 soldiers had been entertained. He read deeply appreciative letters from the camp chaplains, and a very fine tribute was paid to those who have contributed to the social and musical life of camp by Colonel Potter, Commandant of the Trenthnm Camp. Among the audience were the Gover-nor-General, the Countess of Liverpool, and a party from. Government House.