MUSIC IN PATEA.

Patea Mail, 28 July 1882, Page 3

MUSIC IN PATEA.

A genuine success was attained by the Harmonic Society’s concert on Thursday evening. The experiment of acting in character a modern light opera was tried by this society 7 for the first time, and tile result has been so satisfactory to performers and audience.alike, that we may hope this will be only the first of a series of pleasing experiments in combining musical culture with dramatic amusement.

Well-wishers of the Harmonic Society will naturally contrast the bright and amusing success of “ Trial by Jury ” with other programmes which used to be so heavy of digestion in the old hall. It is admitted that a society which invites the public to its performances is under obligation to provide a programme suited to popular appreciation. It is something to ha ve got that point settled. We venture to say also that the Harmonic Society 7 is more popular to-day, and that the public feel a livelier interest in its proceedings, than at any prievous time. This is a cheerful position to have attained. For we can all feel a personal interest in a society which is trying in a sensible way to minister not only to the musical taste of a limited few, but also to such musical appreciation as may 7 be expected in a large mixed audience. The public do expect music to have some tune in it, some charm of melody and some striking beauties of harmony 7. Few cantatas are suitable for performance by a small society, haying no good siring band ; and the Patea society has had peculiar .difficulty in obtaining pieces suited to its ability and strength. Now that the society has made a happy selection of an acting opera, the members may be surprised at their own success, as tested by the popular applause on Thursday 7 evening. The audience numbered over 300, and the money taken (in’addition to free tickets) was £l3 12s.