" Under the Palms."

Manawatu Herald, 29 August 1895, Page 2

" Under the Palms."

m Last night the cantata " Under the Palms " was given by the Tows Choir in the Public Hall before a very large and representative audience. When we state that there were some 48 items it will be easily understood that a criticism on the parts is quite beyond the space at our disposal. We are exceedingly pleased to be able to mention that the whole performance from start to finish went without a hitch and every attention was paid to the guidance of the conductor — Mr Osborne. Just at first the perv* formers showed a little nervousneM but in ihe second part they bad got

L________»__________________ In ROCord with the audience and the effect was much more satisfactory. The music was good, the organist being Mr England who possesses a Wellington reputation, and Miss and Mr Austin and Mr Simpson of Feilding, accompanied on violins. . The conductor, Mr E. Osborne had evidently displayed considerable oare in coaching his largo chorus, and Mr England's assistance is amply "acknowledged. The Choir consisted of trebles : Mrs Cook and Miss Williams ; altos, Mrs J. Symons and Miss H. Burr; tenors, Messrs Little and Ennis ; basses, Messrs Simpson and Westwood. The Infant School was well to the front both in position in the hall and in their musical duties. t The Rev. S. Barnett also took part in the musical portion besides reciting a part in a most pleasing manner. Those who managed the undertaking are to be complimented on their courage and industry, and it was evident to those present that it was no slight work, and in the multitude of performers much danger. Their efforts however, were crowned with suooess and the performance last night is undoubtedly the best sacred concert yet given in this town. The Hall was rearranged, the seats being put close together in the centre with alley ways at the sides, grouping the audience more com* paotly together. The stage was artistically decorated with beautiful Nikau palms brought from Shannon, and two tall fern trees set in the hall gave a distinct character to the gathering. We have had so far nothing but good to say of the piece, and we were delighted with the quietness with which the programme Was listened to, but we think the conductor made a mistake in asking the audience not to applaud till the conclusion, as the effect in the first part was noticeable on the performers who appeared to doubt whether their efforts were meeting with approbation. One other point we may be permitted to point out in the arrangement of the performers which proved unsatisfactory, that of grouping the minor characters of the chorus in front leaving the soloists too far back, almost hidden from the view of the audience and also where their 'voices were partly lost in the upper part of the stage. These are matters which experience only proves and will, no doubt, be altered on a future occasion . The committee takes this opportunity of publicly thanking all the performers who so willingly gave their time and talent and also the many friends who rendered valuable assistance. We learn the satisfactory sum of between £11 and £12 •" was taken at the doors and by the iJale of tickets.