WELLINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5307, 29 March 1878, Page 7

WELLINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Choral Society’s concert took place in the Theatre Royal on the 12th March under most propitious circumstances.. The theatre was crowded from floor to ceiling, fresh seats having to be utilised in the dress-circle for the accommodation . of those 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 of their most successful efforts. The programme opened with an orches-

J tral 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 rfehearsal. The recitative (soprano), “ How happy, ex-, claimed this Child of Air,” was given with fine feeling and effect, but the lady excelled herself in the soprano solo, “ But whither shall theEpirit go ?” This may fairly be considered the gem of the evening, and well-merited the plaudits which it elicited. The contralto recitative, “ The glorious angel,” was likewise most pleasingly rendered. The choruses throughout, and the quartettes, were well in concert, and blended harmoniously. The 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 eyo of Heaven.” The society may he congratulated ou the undoubted success of the last concert.