THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

Evening Star, Issue 3801, 30 April 1875, Page 3

THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Society last night essayed the production of opera for the second time, but were not so successful with “Maritana” as with the “ Bohemian Girl.” In some respects the cast was weak, and the choruses were less steady at times than they should have been, seeing how regular the practices have been lately. The orchestra, though comprising fewer instruments than usual, got through its work extremely well, and every praise is due to Miss Muir (piano), Mr Little (violin), Mr Meares (clarionet), Mr Martin (piccolo), and Mi’ Finch (basoon). The opera was cast thus Miss Marshall, Maritana; Mrs Newsham, Lazarillo ; Mr E. Towsey, Don Ciesar; Mr F. Lewis, Don Jose ; and Mr Newberry, the King. Of the solos undoubtedly the best effort was Mr Newberry’s “The Mariner in his barque,” which fully deserved the compliment of an encore—the only one of the concert. Miss Marshall sang well the difficult music of her part, and was much applauded for ‘Scenes that are brightest.” The lady who rendered Lazarillo’s music has not before been heard at the Society’s concerts, and she last night showed indications of being a decided acquisition to its ranks. Mr Towsey was much overweighted as Don Cie.-ar, and apparently suffered from hoarseness, but acquitted himself well in _ There is a flower that bloometh. ” Mr Lewis was heard to advantage as Don Jose, and In happy moments ” pleased his audience so well that they would have had no objection to its repetition. That delicious ensemblc, _ What mystery,” was nicely rendered. Ihe society s_concerts are invariably well attended, and the audiences are frequently largely composed of persons who come from a distance. Iheir convenience should be studied a little ; and the Society would best do this by commencing their concerts punctually at eight o’clock, and so arranging the programme that it should be got through certainly notTater than eleven.