ORCHESTRAL UNION.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 23, 1 September 1894, Page 9

ORCHESTRAL UNION.

That the above Society’s concerts are rapidly growing in public favor, there can be no “ possible shadow of doubt whatever,” as was very evident by the splendid house which greeted the members on Wednesday evening. The Society is 38 strong, and under the able conductorship of Mr C. ,Gray, treated their bearers to a masterly and finished performance. Ten orchestral items were presented, and with, perhaps, two exceptions, each number was given in the Society’s best style. “ Merry Wives of Windsor ” is deserving of pride of place, being given with a go that was quite refreshing. The Wedding March and Tancredi were both delightful, and Trovatore secured the largest round of applause during the evening. In this number the flute was heard to great advantage, and in the duet the tone produced by the cornet was really good. The incidental music was slightly marred by the cornets playing nervously, but the Graceful Dance was very good indeed. The Turkish Patrol was another favorite item, although the dimuendo seemed too sudden in comparison with the crescendo. A Minuet for muted strings received admirable treatment, and was most enjoyable. Faust and Eanhausser received full justice and were well liked, the former with “Merry Wives,” being one of the gems. “ Elf Land ” seemed to want a little more practice, but perhaps the absence of the piano caused the unsteadiness Mr C. Gray and his his orchestra are deserving of every praise for the really excellent programme they rendered. Of the vocalists, Miss Lithgow certainly scored a great success. Her first number, “ Prostate before Thee,” was one of the best bits of singing we have heard on the concert stage for a long time. In her second item Miss Lithgow again charmed her hearers, “ Let Me Dream Again ” receiving excellent treatment. “Nocturne” is such a lovely duet that everyone was expecting a treat, but, unfortunately, Miss Lena Johnson, who made her dehut , was suffering from nervousness, and consequently this item did not receive the justice the young lady and Mrs Forbes-Williams can undoubtedly give it. In “ The Island of Dreams” Mrs Forbes-Williams was very successful, her rich, full voice being heard to great advantage. Mr Taylor was in grand form, and although he did not infuse as much life into “ Thou art passing hence ” as one would have liked, the number was very enjoyable. In his second item Mr Taylor was at home, and the intricate runs which abound in “ Who May Abide ?” were capitally given. Mr Gray played the accompaniments in his usual artistic manner.