PATEA HARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1015, 30 March 1883, Page 3

PATEA HARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

This concert, which was held oh Wednesday last, though not one of the most successful given by the society, was nevertheles of fair average merit. The audience, numbering about 150, ; hardly, half of the large hall, and the paucity of attendance undoubtedly had rather-a. chilling . effect; mpom the choruses "were given in .good-time, and'with expression; and the last chorus of the first part, “ All Hail the Noble Victor !” from Massaniello, seemed to be appreciated by the audience, who called for Man encore, but owing to the trying- nature of the music for all the parts, the Conductor had to decline'repeating it. The pianoforte - overture, was played by a yonng lady who had recently joined the Society, and judging from the execution of the piece given by her, is a decided' acquisition to their ranks. : The song, f* Sweet ,i Genevieve ” was well sung/ but hardly up to the class of music usually given at the Society’s concerts, The quartette “ Sweet and Low ” though very simple, was sung with feeling, and the voices harmonized well. The song “ Farewell Leonora ” introduced a new lady member of the Society to a. Patea audience. The young lady in;qnestion has a good voice, and some very sWeet notes, and when she has overcome the nervousness,- inseparable appearing r as a solo singer, she” should prove of great service in musical circles. Jpfet»sjsong, it is needless to say, was * day” was given by the well- known bass singer of The Society with his : accustomed spirit and power and . was re-demanded. The violin solo was played by a young musician who has'a great loVe fof instrumental .music, r and who is indefatigable in his attendance at .practices. - It was very well rendered,and showed that with practice and study the young player will become a proficient oh the noblest of instruments. “ The Captive Greek Girl!! was song by the Society’s leading sdprano, in’ her usual finished style, and with .great power in npper hotes. This song was deservedly encored/ “ Ruby,” by a / gentleman, was remarkably well sang, the expression being all that conld be desired, and it certainly deserved an encore. / The Pastoral Cantata, “ The-Golden Harvest,” by Callcott, was given as the second part of the programme. This is a simple little Cantata, bnt without any pretence to be considered j as first-class. The choruses are easy, and the solos, with one exception, are not very pretty. The the tenor song “ True Love,” was very well sung, end would be a favourite in.any programme. The-Can-tata went well throughout; the choruses being/ taken ; with ; spirit and precision. The concert was brought to a close at 10.80 p.m. by performers and audience; joining in the National Anthem. The great want, of the Society, namely, an orchestra, was again np-i parent, and; until the want is supplied, the Society will always labour under great disadvantages in giving any piece that requires power. Unfortunately, until a good teacher of the violin and other instruments is induced to settle in Patea, and bring, on some of the rising generation as members of a string band, this desideratum seems not likely to be attained as violinists are very rare in the district and cannot be depended upon to attend regularly. In conclusion we must say we think that the Society deserves better support than it gets from the, Patea public. It is doing a good work in encouraging the love of music and bringing on the young members, of the community who have musical taste, and this forming the nenclns from which singers can be drawn to help in any local entertainment. The Patea people should be proud of theirSociety and their fine hall and should give it all the support in their power, for were it to fall through from lack of interest the townspeople would be the

first to feel its loss. The Society has now been in existence some six years and has increased in numbers and efficiency steadily since its formation, despite numerous inevitable temporary depressions from loss of members, &c., and it is to be hoped that it will long continue its course of usefulness, and receive the support both from members and the public that it undoubtedly deserves.