A MUSICAL TREAT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3977, 9 July 1915, Page 7

A MUSICAL TREAT.

THE CANTATA, ’ ’C-OAIALA. ’ ’ BOX-PLAN OPENS THIS MORNING Booking J'or the performance oi Cade’s beautiful cantata, “Coma-Ha," which is to be performed at the Opera House on Tuesday evening next opens at Ferguson’s at .10 o’clock this morning. The performance promises to be one of the most unique choral events in the history of Gisborne. Among the soloists will be such well-known, names as Airs G. Lament Guvr, Misses Esau and Spurdle, and Air GLamont Gun', while the chorus wifi number over 100 voices. In addition to this a strong orchestra will lend volume to tho wave of melodious sound which will flood the theatre. The following brief outline of the legend will help the public to a better understanding of tlie theme: Comala, the daughter of Sarno, King of Innistore, so runs the story, had conceived a violent passion For Fingal, King of Monven. Fingal returned her affection, and Comala followed him. disguised as a warrior, on an expedition against Caracul, King of Lochlin. On the day of the battle, by the banks of the river Garun, Fingal parted from Comala, leaving her with her maidens on a mountain, from which she- could witness the battle, and promising to return in the evening, after the battle was over. Full of sad foreboding, Comala awaited the return of Fingal. Amidst the roaring of a storm, thereappear to her the spirits of her ancestors, wlio had 1 descended to the battlefield in order to guide home the souls of the fallen. She imagines that the battle is lost, and Fingal slain. Overcome with grief, Comala. dies. Fmgal returns a conqueror, amidst martial music, and learns from the weeping maidens the death of his beloved. In his sorrow, he calls upon the hards to praise her in song, and the chorus of maidens and bards conducts her departing soul to the mansions of her fathers.

The cantata will ho preceded bv a brief miscellaneous programme, which is being arranged by Mr Mainland Foster, the musical director. As the entire proceeds are to bo handed over to the patriotic fund, the Opera House should be packed to the doors on Tuesday night next.