OAMARU MUSICAL SOCIETY.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8174, 4 May 1895, Page 3

OAM ARU MUSICAL SOCIETY.

It was characteristic of past groat men that they had before attaining to greatness set before them high ideala. From the nature of the Oamaru Musical Society's ventures, ono is led to the conclusion, provided the analogy holds good, that this Society will become one or the brightest musical organisations in the colony. They have attempted great things, and, even when their performances are not as brilliant and as perfect as Ihoy might be, tho Society has invariably presented to its patrons — nominative and objective — pleasing entertainments. The Public Hall last evening was well filled, particularly up. stairs, with an appreciative audience. Tho concert had a freshness that gave satisfaction. A new departure attracts attention and excites interest. The concensus of opinion respecting the performance last evening would be that taken ni a whole the concert was quito up to, if not superior, to the previous conoert* given oy the Society. It waa generally allowed thab the musio was probably superior to tho capabilities of tho members, but still tho performance was meritorious. The attendance, too, would bo gratifying to the Society, laboring as it does for the public's musical education. The orchestra did its work well, but had occasionally to bo restrained, and in the accompaniments, most notice* ably in tho last, was too much in ovidenoe, The fir»t part consisted of selections from «• Lobgeiang," «' Naaman," and •• Samion." MiM Lemon took her solo carefully and effectively, " I Drewnb I was in Heaven" wm tung by Mies Aunie J one* with iwc«tn«u and oloarnoH In ennuoiatlou, Inert wai rlohnesa and quality in Mrs Wation'i ilnging of tho iolo, "Lot the Bright Seraphim," and Mn Gould and MUjGiffordiangaduefc. The second part; wai made up of loliotloni from Roiildl'i " Btabtt Mattr." Mr W, WIUUmiQO w»l

In excellent roicc, find hla singing of the air " Lord Vouchsafe" was one of tho best itoma on the programme. Mr Roso Bang his solo with accomplished art What was heard of Mr Basil Seth-Smith's recitative — the chorus being a close accompaniment - was excellent. His voice is of rare even quality with fullness of tone. Ho was, howover, cxtremo'y nervous. Tho mo it of Mrs (Jould's singing of " I will sing of Thy great Mercy" Wiuj thoroughly appreciated, and Mrs Lynch showed herself familiar with tho Bcoro of " Inflaminatus," and sang tho 'air with elegance and case and it is not necessary to again mention tho more than^ effectiveness of tho orchestra. Mr lloso^oonduoted— save during his own f>olo, when Mr Williamson wielded tho baton— throughout) tho evening, and Mr» Cooke presided at tho piano, paying the accompaniments with eflicioncy snd skill.