LYTTELTON CHORAL SOCIETY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1504, 7 October 1865, Page 2

LYTTELTON CHORAL SOCIETY.

. + The third concert of thi# society took place on Thursday evening. The New Assembly Rooms were well attended. The programme was got through very creditably, considering that it was given by amateurs, who have had little more than 12 months to acquire their proficiency. The first part of the programme consisted of selections from Handel's Serenata " Acis and Galatea." The solo parts being allotted to Mrs. Kissling and Miss Edmiston, Messrs. Byrne K. England, and Rutland, and they were very well rendered. Mrs. Kissling's solo, Hush, ye pretty warbling choir," was beautifully executed, as was Miss Edmiston's "As when the dove, &c.j" Mr. Byrne's "Love sounds the alarm," Mr. Rutland's " Ruddier than the cherry," brought down well-deserved encores. The best thing done was the trio " The flocks shall leave the mountainsit was a real gem, and was artistically performed. The choruses were very well given, and showed a marked improvement iu the voices. At the conclusion of the first part, Mr. Byrne, in the absence of Dr. Donald, the pr&ident, read the following report Report joe ihb Ybab 1804—6. On this the anniversary of the ro-formatien of the Lyttelton Choral Society, tho committco beg to congratulate tho members on the success that has during the last year attended their unwearied exertions to cultivate the science of music, by aiming at tho performance of those works of celebrated composers that come within the range of the members' capability. The committee, in reviewing tho past year, feel much regret that, owing principally to tho sudden departure of their first conductor, tho society was unable to carry out the original intention of giving four open practices during the abovo period, but feci not a little gratification in acknowledging that through tho woll-directod efforts of tho performing members so ably Bup?orted by their present conductor, Mr. J. A. Haddington, tho socioty has been enabled to offer, during the year, open praotice to its members and tho public. The committee, however, trust that, through the continued support from its inombors, aud increased patronage of tho public, the sooioty will for the future be in a position to open its doors for open practices within every succocding twolvo months.

Tho committee desire to draw the attention of tho public to an urgent want that still exists in tlie society—the possession of a good piano or othei musical instrument or accompaniment: a fund is already in existence for tho purchase of suoh an instrument, and about £26 in hand ; but this sum being far from sufficient to accomplish the desired end, tho oommittee earnestly solicit the public to subscribe liberally, and thus assist the socioty to obtain an instrument that will not only greatly conduce to tho propor preparation of the subjects to be performed, out will be a material ingredient in affording satisfaction to the audience. The thanks of the socioty are due to the public at largo for the support hitherto awarded, by which means, w th economy, every expense has been met and a small balanco left in the Treasurer's hands.

Tho warmest thanks of tho society are duo to thoso ladies and gentlemen who have kindly lent their musical instruments during tho year, tuus so materially assisting the porjorraanoos of tho society. Tim committee have to thank those Indies and gentlemen who have so generously come forward to take part at rehearsals, and have ho jjutu-ntly endured tho arduous practices accessary in performing tho works solooted for performance, and take this opportunity of congratulating their conductor, Mr. Waddington, on the succe** that has attended tho instructions imparted by him to tho performing members, owing, in a great measure to tho manifest interest he takes in the society's welfare. The committee beg. in conclusion, to in|orm the public that the society's books show a list of 60 oilerlive and honotary members. That the subscription!) will, for the present remain at 21s per annum, and beg to solicit tho continued support of all persons taking an interest in realising raunicul works of tlio great musters. Tho committee beg also to inform tho public that tho annual general meeting of tho members will he hold shortly, for the purpose of electing officers, Ac., for the coming year; they, thereforo, request thorw ltidiof* and gontloinun desirous of joining the society, to give in their numes at once to the secretary, or any member of tho committee. Wm. Donald, Chairman.

The second part consisted of part books, solos, and quartettes, The part song, "Come e gent II," was taken rather too slow, and the chorus nc(!ompanimcnt was not so good as we should have liked to have heard. Mr. ltutland's song was sung very well indeed, but it wanted a little more spirit thrown into it. This was followed by a duet for the piano-

forte, well performed by Ml## E<imU' on Mr. Wmldlngton. A *JJ d ffmlntt Mr, K. England, Mr, owaniton, ana Mr. brought down uncore. Mr..K1..1t0« •»"« » "«), from Mnritftrin, charmingly- Mr*, Tsylcr » #ong, » Spring Flower#," gained an cncore» wo hope to hear this My #«*ln J "he >"}• X voice, and enunciates her word# dl *[ i { ,ct . actuality rather rare. Iho duct, I would that my love," by Mr#. and Mi## Edmi#ton, was rendered in ft very satisfactory ityle. Mr. Drew, a new member of tbl« society, made hi* debftt last night s he ha# * good voice, and, with care and study, will do well} bis lower register is very good ? he sang M* song, " Schubert's Wanderer," exceedingly well. In conclusion, we must not forget to notice the song, " Her bright smile haunt# me still." given by Mr. Carder, in hi# best style > it was one of the successful performance# of the evening, ami, in consequence, he received an encore. , . Taking this concert altogether, the ladle# and gentlemen engaged acquitted themselves satisfactorily, and, in term# of the report, we hope the society will be enabled to give a concert every quarter, and that the public will come forward to support their effort# to give concert# worthy of their patronage.