SACRED CONCERT AT KAIAPOI.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2717, 23 December 1882, Page 3

SACRED CONCERT AT KAIAPOI.

On Thursday evening the members of the ' Choral Society gave a grand sacred concert j in the Oddfellows' Hall. Inclusive of the orchestra and chorus, about fifty ladies and gentlemen took part in the same. There was a fair patronage, the front seats being well filled with an appreciative audience, and the several selections were well received. The first portion included selections from Mozart's Twelfth Mass, including nine numbers, all of which were given with excellent effect and excellent contrasts in the vocalisation, as well as in the capital time and performance of the orchestra. The second part opened with a song "Nazareth," by Mr C. J. Champion and the choir, a highly satisfactory effort, and one which deserved the ovation it called forth. Mrs Robins also sang "Angels ever bright and fair" with a distinctness and true appreciation for this song which provoked deserved applause. Selections were then given from the " Messiah," including thirteen pieces. Dr. Ovenden took the tenor solos, " Comfort ye," " They Rebuke," and " Behold and see," in excellent taste and a manner which left nothing to be desired. Mr Pullan sang the bass solo, "Thus saith the Lord" and " But who may abide " in strong voice, as well as an artistic conscientiousness. Mr Blakeley sang " For behold the darkness" with precision, and received a hearty acknowledgment. Miss Blakeley took the alto song, " He shall feed," which she gave with singular clearness and melody, Mrs J. H. Simmonds rendering the soprano, "Come unto Him," in a telling and pleasing way. Mrs Robins sang " But Thou dids't not leave" equally well, and Miss Johnston's rendering of " I know that my Redeemer liveth " was certainly the gem of the evening for correctness of enunciation, and her tune and time were faultless. The choruses, " And the glory," " Come unto Him," and " Hallelujah," were given in a pleasing manner, a little unsteadiness in the latter excepted. The orchestra, ineluding organ (Mr Blakeley), piano (Mrs Macfarlane), flute (Mr T. G. Smith), violin (Mr Bamberger), cello (Mr Heap), contra bass (Mr Hewlings), was a most efficient one, and did not sacrifice its reputation by the too common fault of orchestras, which tend to overwhelm the chorus. There was a marked vigor, decision, and touch in the style of the lady pianist, and in the violin the merits of Mr Bamberger's playing were conspicuous. In conclusion, it is not too much to say that the great success of the concert was due to the discretion and judgment which, as a director of musical ceremonies, follow the best efforts of Mr Robert Macfarlane, who conducted. A request has been made, and possibly the concert may be repeated on the opening of the new Wesleyan Sunday school at Kaiapoi.