THE DUNEDIN PRIVATE MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2222, 21 June 1870, Page 2

THE DUNEDIN PRIVATE MUSICAL SOCIETY.

To the Editor of the Eraiinj Star. Sir, —With reference to tlie critique passed upon the concert given by the Dunedin Musical Society in Thursday’s issue of the Dnihj Times, 1 must confess that I blush for the gentleman who was kind enough to report thoi’eou, for ho must have been entirely ignorant of the elaborate compositions of our groat masters ; that gentleman’s musical abilities must be very limited. In his report there was not the slightest allusion respecting the solos in the lirst part, neither was there any allowance made for the several drawbacks that occurred, over which the society had no control. In the lirst place, Miss Edhouse, who has great claims upon the Society and the public for her persevering efforts, met with a slight accident, which had the effect of placing her at a considerable disadvantage. Secondly, there was a temporary gloom cast over the proceedings by the sudden illness of a gentleman who had to he removed; and, finally, a report of fire was expected to be raised, All these things combined had a tendency to depress the spirits of the performers. Too much praise cannot he awarded to the lady members for the energy displayed by them in making their services as telling as possible, considering the limited number of sopranos. The thanks of the Society are due to the ladies who sustained tho alto parts throughout. I wish tho public to understand that there was at tho first invitation concert an instrument to each part, which was not the case at the concert given on Wednesday last, each part being self-sustaining. 1 was sorry to see certain ladies and gentlemen so far forget themselves as to draw the attention of the rest of the audience to their.behaviour. Should they honor us again with their presence, I trust they will conduct themselves in a manner befitting their station. I may state it is the intention of the Society to repeat their programme at an early date, when we trust we shall receive a more impartial judgment at the hands of your contemporary. Allow mo to crave your forgiveness for trespassing on valuable time, and by inserting same in yours, you will oblige, Ac., A Member. Dunedin, June 20th, 1870.