CONCERT AT MATAURA.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 7, Issue 409, 14 November 1884, Page 2

CONCERT AT MATAURA.

On Monday ereuing tl^e 3#atatu?a Musical Association held their closing concert and ball for the season in Hixmpliries' Hall. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather there was a fairly good attendance, at bobh. concert and bail. Considerable taste was displayed in the decorations of the hall, I which presented a most pleasing appearance upon entrance. Wreaths of flowers and evergreens were extended from end to end of the hall and across the steps, {showing that no pains had been spared on. the part of the members

to delight the eye of the public, Of course, Monday being a holiday afforded good opportunity to get the hail done up in good form. And wo believe a number of ladies and gentlemen members of the association, were at work from an early hour in the morning. The concert was opened with an overture on the piano, " Fantasia on National airs," by Miss Mason, who did the piece every justiec. Following this was the " Hallelujah Chorus," played by Mrs MacG-ibbon and Miss Mason, after which the jliev. Mr Davidson stepped upon the platform and read a testimonial to Mr Anderson signed by the members of the Association, and also presented him with a handsome ebony and gold baton as a token of their indebtedness and gratitude to him for his voluntary service as conductor, Mr Anderson having, thanked the Association in a few well chosen words for their unexpected gift, the programme was proceeded with. The first part, which was sacred, was woll rendered throughout. In the second part a pianoforte trio (12 hands) — quite a novelty — was perhaps one of the best parts of the concert. Piano duet "Goldfinch Quadrille," by Mrs and Miss Mac Gibbon, was played carefully and with taste. A vocal duet by Miss Bessie IZcgg and Mr A. MacGibbon was well rendered, although the gentleman's voice was rather strong for the lady's. A trio by the Misses Begg s.nd Mr Nairn, " Ye Shepherds tell me," was creditably accomplished. The rendering of the duet, " The singing lesson," was certainly the most perfectly performed part of the programme, while Miss Begg's solo, " The Lover and tLe Bird," was sung with feeling and displayed both ease and confidence in its performance. The rendering of the choruses throughout the evening was good, and shewed how much can be done under the tuition of a painstaking conductor. The Committee provided amply for the creature wants of the audience, the refreshments being both choice and good. The dance followed and was kept up with great spirit till morning, all seemingly leaving well pleased with the evening's entertainment.