GREYTOWN PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 4, Issue 1184, 20 September 1882, Page 2

GREYTOWN PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.

Tub opening concert nf tho above Socieiy was given at the Town Hall, Greytown last evening, ami must be pronounced a. genuine miccesa, both financially and musically, Visitors were present from Carterton, Featherston, and the Lower Valley. The Society started about four months ago under the leadership of Mr A. Tovey, but that gontleman having left Greytown, Mr Wilson of Carterton, kindly undertook, to fill the vacanoy, and he deserves every praise fur the manner in which this, tho first concert, .'was conducted, not a single hitch occurring to mar its success. Mr W. C. Bnchanau, the President, in opening the proceedings gave a brief review of the Socioly's progress. The : whole' of the performers were accommodated with seats on the stage, there being a full chorus of about 40 voices. The programme, Ist pari sacred, commenced with "God save the Queen" As a solo by Mr Black; Quartetlo Mrs Cuff (s), Miss Wyett (a), Mr Wickerson (i), Mr Black (b), and chorus, A solo from the Messiah " But thou did'st not leave," was sang very efficiently by Mr Wilson, and followed by Dr J. C. Whitfield chorus" Behold how good and joyful," the bass solo' being taken by Mr Black, and the duet soprano and alio by Mrs Cuff and Miss Wyett. Miss E, Wyett's solo from the Messiah " How beautiful are the feet," was given with ' equislte taste and feeling,; and was followed by Guonod's grand solo "Nazareth" which was done full justice lb by Mr Black. Rossini's anthem. ■'" To the great lord" was perhaps the best of the sacred selections, the solos being taken by Mr Hoard (b) Mr Wickerann (t), Miss E. Wyett'(s),tho chorus being very good. Mrs Cuff sang the beautiful solo from the " Messiah," " T know that my 'Redeemer liveth," with all her wonted ability, her sweet voice being heard to its greatest advantage. A duet (A. Lee) " He wipes & tear from every eye," was very correctly rendered by the Misses Wyett, and the first part of the programme was brought to a close by Barnaby's Harvest Anthem, " 0 Lord how manifold." The second patt must bo noted for the number of new faces that were introduced to the audience, no fewer than fire ladies making their debut during the performance. The opening glee "May Day"' (Muiler) was very well received by the audience, Miss Hornhlow then made her debut as a soloist, and the charming manner in which she sang " Oh toll me that you love me" at once stamped her as a favorite, the assembly testifying their appreciation by redemanding it, which was graciously acceded to.. Miss Hornblow has a rich contralto voice, and is a great acquisition to the Society, and will no doubt be heard; more of in musical circles, Mendelsohori's four partßong "Departure" was next given, Mrs Black and the Misses : Hastwall and Tully (soprano), Mis 3 Hornblo77 (alto), Mr Wickerson (tenor), Mr Black (bass), the performance barely escaping an encore.; Mrs Hume must be credited with the gem of the evening, the audience being made quite enthusiastic by her rendition of tlieold ballad, "I cannot sing the oldsdn'gs,' 1 a redem'and of course being made, and aceeded to. Mra Hume poises a fine soprano voice, and has a thorough knowledge of using it, and in a Society'dike'this is invaluable. Mr Wickerson followed with Wallace's air from " Maritaha," "Tisthe harp in the Airj!''and wo need only say he sang with his. usual well-known ability. Ford's glee ViSinee.first T saw your face" was '. perhaps the best rendered of the evening, *Badb partcbaiingout -with' telling effodt; J. Benedict's; beautiful duet from the VLily of' Killarney" "The moon'lias!; raised her 'lamp .above" was very sue-' cesßfully given,by Messrs Wioker'fldh and : Black, md repeated in response to &n

encore. Tho entertainment was brought to a close vith R, J.S. Steven's glee from " Oberon in fairy land," in which the nißiubers of the Society fully Buatained their previous reputation, It would not be invidious to mention that the success was in a great measure due to the aocompanyist, Miss Hirschbere, who, (with one exception) presided at the piano during the whole performance, and_ deserves special thanks forth* very efficient manner in .whichrthe musical portion ofthe programme was carried out. The society are to be congratulated on the success of their first appearance, and if they have done nothing./else,; they have been the means of introducing to the public, some voices which would perhaps have remained hidden from their ears, and we have no doubt as time wears on, we shall still further hear of additions to their debutants. The members are particularly requested to attend] practice' v qn Thursday evening, when it will be date a concert will be held in Etfatii^BP. •'■ ! ===== Jfc