ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 509, 23 August 1902, Page 3

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

A MOST SUCCESSFUL CONCERT,

The members of the Gisborne Orchestral Society are to be complimented upon tho success of the concert given in tho Academy of Music last evening, tho opinion of all present being that it was tho best on record. Tho orchestra, under the able conductorship of Mr Gwalter Palairet, had undergone a careful preparation, and that gentleman had good reason to feel proud of the result of his efforts. From the overture to the concluding march, everything went smoothly, and many were the pleasing comments passed pn the performance. The orchestra comprised the following local musicians: First violins, Miss Sobers, Miss M. Sobers Mr A. J. Massey (leader); 2nd violins, Misses Roche, Neill, Hyett, C. Larson, R. Hawkins, C. Boylan ; viola, Mr F. B. Palairet; ’celli, Messrs H. D. Parker, E. Parnell, A. Adair, H. Parkor j contra basso, Mr 0. Adair; flutes, Messrs M. L. Foster and J. East; clarionets, Messrs H. A. Barton, and A. Zachariah ; cornets, Messrs J. Chrisp and Douglas ; horn, Mr Wilkinson ; euphonium, Mr Don ; drums, Messrs T. Morrison and Donnelly. The instrumental numbers included several bright and sparkling selections, and afforded ample scope for tho performers to display thoir ability. Tho opening selection was Auber’s ’■ Le Macon," which was given in good style, and was received with much applauso. The second number was Sarakowski’s Hungarian dance. It was of a new style of music to local concertgoers, and being of a dashing character was much appreciated. The appearance . of Miss Birch, of Wellington, was looked forward to with intorest, that lady’s reputation as a vocalist having preceded her. Sho possesses a mozza-soprano voice of oxcollont quality, which she uses to full advantage. She has a pleasing style, good command, and her onunoiation is particularly clear. She displayed great taste in hor selection of songs, her numbers being of an appropriate and popular character. She gave a charming rendering of Denza’s 11 Sercnado in Summor,” and-in responso to an enthusiastic encore contributed •' A May Morning,” by the samo composer. 11 Till Death ” (Masheroni) was given with equal succoss, tho young lady being compelled to again appear. In the socond part Miss Birch sang “ Tho Swallows ” (Cowen), and tho audience persisting in an encore she gave a pleasing rendering of “ When tho Swallows Homeward Fly." Tho orchestral number, “ Salut d’Amour ” (Edgar), was a beautiful melody, and allowed ample scopo for tho stringed instruments, Mr A. J. Massey, the leader, being particularly brilliant in this number. Other excellent numbers were “Allegro from Symphony in B Minor ” (Schubert), Sarako'wski’s “Spanish Court Dance,” and “Le Prophete ” (Meyerbeer), which were given with fine effect, and received nth loud applause. The selection “ I >mbardi ” (Verdi Kappey) was a truly artl xtic performance, being considered bv n. ' ane g°°d judges to be the gem of the’ evening. The concert on the whole was a most enjoyable one. Mrs H Hooper presided at the piano during the evening) and played the accompaniment s to tbe severa * son g s >n an artistic er. A word of praise is due to the Hon t secretary, Mr F. B. Palairet, for the fill manner in which he discharged the dutit '■S o f that office > the £ reat success of the co ncert being in no small measure I (Jue to his, rts,