GRAND CONCERT.

Motueka Star, Volume I, Issue 18, 11 October 1901, Page 3

GRAND CONCERT.

The concert got up by some enthusiastic musicians in this district for the purpose of augmenting the funds now being raised to purchase a new organ tor St. Thomas'Church, was held on Wedneso"ay evenirg, and was a pronounced success fr< in a n.usical standpoint. It is a gieat pity tbe attendance was net larger; those who took part in the entertainment spent many evenir gs in practice, some of them ccming long distances in cider to be pi esent. It is something to be proud (f to be able to gather together forty performers, each of undoubted musical ability,and by constant rehearsal bring thtm to such a state of perfection. Unstinted praise is due to Mrs S\mes, the accompanyist(who also place d her magnificent piano at the disposal of the society) and to Mr "Andrew Millar the conductor. They were assisted by a Committee consisting of Misses Hurstlome, Leslie, Staples; Messrs Pattie, Rankin, and Symes ; the whole of whom seemed to spare no pains to further a meritorious cause. Seating accommodation had to be provided for such a large choius, the stage was therefore extended and even then performers seemed to be restricted in their movements. The concert commenced with a sacre:d selection by the orchestral Society, "Kyrie EleisDn" frcm Mozart's 12th Mass, which w T as rendered in excellent style, the various movements throughout the selection being marked by good time and execution. Miss E. Boyes plaj ed the piano accompaniment. The same remarks apply to the other choruses given during tbe evening by tho Choral Society, for whom Mrs Symes was accompanist; | the applause of tie audience showed ! that the conceited pieces were appreciated. This was follow* d by a song "The premise of the King" by Mrs F. Batchelor who did full justice to that well known and popular number. "Nazareth" was sung by Mr Whitehorn in good style and being encored he repeated the last verse. Miss Leslie, always popular with Motueka audiences, sang " I know that my Redeemer liveth," her magnificent and cultivated voice being heard to advantage. Undoubtedly the gem of the evening was the vocal duet " Sainted Mother " by Mrs Anderson and Miss Crofts (acc< mpanied by Miss Maud Crofts) the blendirg of the two voices being most haimonious; in response to vocieferous applause the last verse was* repeated. These items entled the sacred portion of the entertainment and after a short interval the secular programme was begun by a selection frtm the Orchestra, "The old and the new," succeeded by a song " Echo," by Mr Rhodes, a stranger to Motueka audiences, who possesses a well trained voice and evidently has a complete knowledge of harmony. Mr Rhodes' voice is not strong and we think would sound better in a drawing room than in public halls. The part songs, "The Rosy Morn" and "Oh! Summer wind" were rendered by the Choral Society with execution. "Bid me to Love" by Mr Couzens was well received and encored. Miss M, Delaney in "Love hailed a Little Maid" showed that she possesses a sweet voice, which under efficient training should develop into a rich soprano. Naturally, the pleased audience olemandeel an encore. The chorus " The watch word," was capitally rendered, being followed by a, song "Only once More," by Mr John King, a well known vocalist, who scored a decicleel success in his part, his voice being adapted to the song. Again Miss Leslie captivated her audience by the song "Douglas Gordon" which was beautifully given, the articulation being clear and all that could be desired. "The Misrhtv Deep" bv Mr Whitehorn

was also rendered. The part song by the Choral Society "Farewell" came next and was succeeded by the National Anthem. It should be mentioned that the majority of the vocalists were accompanied by Mis Symes, who is a cultivated pianist and added in no small degree to the pleasure of the evening. Eloral tributes were plentiful, another indication of tbe popularity of those who took part in the conceit. Just before the programme was concluded, the Rev Thomas Johnston asked those present to accord a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Symes, Mr A. Miller, the Committee, and the ladies and gentlemen who so kindly and willingly assisteel to organise the conceit. Mrs Symes and Mr Miller, in particular, had gone to a lot of trouble over the affair, and some had travelled long distances, in good and bad weather, to attend tbe practices. They had succeeded in unearthing a lot of musical talent, and he trusted other entertainments, similar to the one of that evening would be given. The vote was carried by acclamation.