WELLINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5293, 13 March 1878, Page 3

WELLINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Choral Society’s concert took place m the theatre Royal last evening, under most propitious circumstances. ’ The theatre was; crowded from floor to coiling, fresh seats having to be utilised in the dress-circle for the accommodation' of ' those 1 ; who would have otherwise been compelled to stand. Barnett’s cantata “Paradise and the Peri,” with the beautiful words of Thomas Moore, was the work chosen ; and the society may be congratulated on its excellent rendition. It may be fairly regarded as one ef their most successful efforts. The programme opened with an orchestral selection from Mozart’s “ Don Giovanni,” which was given in good time, but lacked power, more brass instruments being required. The introduction to the cantata was very nicely played, and the opening chorus, “ One morn a Peri at the gate,” assured the audience that there had been no lack of careful rehearsal. The’recitative (soprano), “How happy, exclaimed this Child of Air,” was given-with fine feeling and effect, but the lady excelled herself in the soprano solo, “ But whither shall the Spirit go ?” This may fairly be considered the gem of the evening, and well-merited the plaudits which it elicited. The contralto recitative, “Tha glorious angel,” was likewise most pleasingly rendered. The choruses throughout, and the quartettes, were-well in concert, and blended harmoniously. The 1 aria “Blest tears of soul-felt penitence” was given in good voice, and the singer was faultless in his rendering. The orchestra played the accompaniments throughout with the greatest care and accuracy, though they hurried the singer somewhat in the recitative soprano, “ Still laughs the radiant eye of Heaven.” The society may be congratulated on the undoubted success of last night’s concert.