St. Joseph's Concert.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7829, 23 May 1905, Page 2

St. Joseph's Concert.

The high standard of excellence attained by St. Joseph's Choir and o"' chestra is generally recognised; throughout thu local' musical wovl | uiifl by the pub.lic, and it is almos [ needless to state that on the occu-j sion of a sacred concert given in Sl.| .Joseph's Church on Sunday evening after church hours there was a very largo audience. The initial selection, "Ave Maria" (Murphy), which opened with a triqby Miss Radford and Messrs F. Cornwall and F. Sullivan, and finished up with full orchestral effect, was exceedingly well treated, the enunciation and 1 blending being admirable The orchestra were at their best in the fine number "The Heavens are Telling," showing wellbajanced combination, tone, and; phrasing, the finale being very effective. In "O, Salutaris" (Glover), the solo part was taken by Miss O'Donnell. This was a delightful piece in which the blending and crescendo work of the choir showed evidence of careful training. A somewhat difficult selection by reason of its phrasn ing and intervals, "Tantum Ergo' - (Murphy), was capably interpreted by the choir, well supported by'the orchestra. Mrs Oliver and Miss Brown took the opening movement.; In the individual items Mrs Connop and Miss Uudford, the leading sopranos, showed their quality. The former's first solo was Gounod's "O Divine Redeemer," beautifully rendered, and in the second number "Ave Marie" ( : Machcroni), with violin obligate by Mr Cottier, the vocalist gave a sympathetic and artistic rendition. Miss Brown sang "The Banner of Love" (Rawlins), with good effect. Tn "Beyondi" (Quontin) Mr P. Cornwall was in good form, taking the top notes fully and clearly in his usual finished stylo. Mr A. L. Cooke played the violin obligate". Mr 11. J. Shea, the possessor of a pleasing baritone voice, made a promising debut in New Plymouth in; the number ' 'The Heavenly Song'', (Gounod). A flute solo by Mr Kirk-1 wood, and a grand march selection | liiy the orchestra completed the pro-, gramme. j

The conductor (Mr F. Cornwall) to' to be congratulated on the efficiency of tlio choir nod orchestra, The members of the orchestra were Messrs H. Cottier, A. L. Cooke, and H'. Tutchska (!irst violin), Jones,, Goudwntcr, and Blanchard (second violin), T. Donovan (cornet), J. Sturmey (contra bass):, L. Cottier (clarionet), and Kirkwood (flute). The organist (Mr H. J. Cornwall) deserves a word of mention for Jiis painstaking work.