Alexandra Orchestral Society's Concert.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 392, 12 November 1903, Page 5

Alexandra Orchestral Society's Concert.

In past years, the annual concerts given by the Alexandra Orchestral Society have been characterised by a maximum degree of success, the programme submitted on every previous occasion never having failed to delight the large audiences that greeted the society's efforts; and the annual concert given* on Thursday evening last was certainly no exception to the rule —if anything, it was more successful and more enjoyable than any of its predecessors. On this occasion, we may mention in passing, the society adopted the system of allotting reserved seats, the seats being given to holders of tickets in order of priority of purchase, according to a previously drawn up, and the fact that no less than 98 reserved seats were engaged indicates not only that the society's concert is a popular fixture, but that the new system was appreciated. The introduction of chairs also furnished extra seating accommodation in the hall, and when the curtain rose, every available seat was occupied—indeed, many of the audience were obliged to be content with standing room.

The programme opened with an overturo (Rossini's " Tancredi") by the Orchestra, this classical and extremely difficult piece being played with a precision and accuracy that reflected the highest credit on the performers, and the audience amply demonstrated their appreciation of the excellence of the rendering. The president of the society (Dr Gregg) then stepped on to the platform and expressed the thanks of the society for the liberal patronage that had been accorded tbem that evening. In the course of his remarks, the speaker alluded to the progress made by the society since it was formed in 1894 (chiefly through the energy of Messrs R Strong and J D Thomson) to the present time; and he alluded to- the fact that their present state of proficiency was due in a great measure to the ability of their conductor, Mr Briasco. The members of the society were at all times only too glad to assist at any public function, and it was a pleasure to note that their efforts were appreciated.

The next item was a cornet solo by the champion cornet soloist, Mr J. Parker, who came from Dunedin under tpeoial engagement to the society. Mr Parker chose for his selection Haydn Millar's " La, Reve d'Armour," and his rendering thereof came as something of a revelation to the audience. The piece was one calculated to demonstrate the variety of music, from slow movement to rapid execution, that can be produced from the cornet, and Mr Parker's complete command over the instrument was at once apparent. The transition from the soft and Ugato to the more showy and fortissimo passages was effected in a delightfully sweet and smooth manner, the tone and phrasing throughout being exceptionally fine; whilst a pleasing feature of Mr Parker's effort was his beautiful handling of the cadenza (echo) aud ereicendo passages, The player was greeted with vociferous applause, and responded to an undeniable encore with a fine rendering of " Killarney," Mr J B Arnot gave an excellent rendering of "Asleep on the Deep," and in response to a vociferous encore he gave "Annie Laurie," for the singing of which he received the hearty plaudits cf his auditors. Another excellently-ren-dered selection (" Alas those Chimes ") by the Orchestra evoked well-earned applause from the audience. Miss K, Martin, who is the fortunate possessor of a very fine soprano voice, then appeared for the first time before an Alexandra audience, and sang Benza's " A May Morning " with good effect; but, although the rendering was a very fine one, the singer (apparently owing to nervousness) was not heard at her best. We hope to again have the pleasure of hearing this lady's voice at local entertainments. Mr J. Parker then contributed two solos by Theodor Hoch, entitled " Scandinavische Romanze," and " Lass mich in deiner Nahe Weilen," and again held the audience spell-bound with his beautiful execution of the two pieces. In response to the inevitable encore, Mr Parker gave a pretty rendering of " Comin' thro' the Rye," A selection, " With Flying Colours," by the Orchestra, which was excellently rendered, concluded the first part of the entertainment.

The second portion of programme consisted of the production, of a mirth-provoking comedietta, entitled "Whitebait at Greenwich," the respective characters being taken by Messrs J R Bartholomew, W Henderson, J Dumsday, Mrs Dumsday, and Miss Dot Brown. The piece had evidently been carefully rehearsed, and its production was most successful. All of the performers (especially Mrs Dumsday) gave an excellent interpretation of their and the audience was kept in a laughing mood throughout. Mrs O'Kane and Mr F F Thomas acted as accompanists during the evening. The proceeds of the concert realised about £2Q, (Subsequently, a well»attended dance was held.

PRESENTATION, . During an interval in the performance, Dr Gregg said he had been deputed by the office-bearers and members of the Orchestral Society to ponvey to-Mr A A Briasco their thanks JfeLjihe able manner in which he bad sogjgEj' for

discharged his duties in a highly capable and thorough manner.—(Applause). Mr Briasco had been at atf times only too willing to lend his assistance at all public entertainments, and it was with pleasure that he (the J speaker) asked that gentleman's acceptance of a furnished travelling bag, which had been subscribed by the members of the society as a token of their esteem, A silver plate on the bag bore the following subscription: " Presented to Mr A A Briasco by j the office-bearers and members, in recognition of services rendered to the Alexandra Orchestral Sooiety, Nov. sth, 1903." Dr Gregg handed the present to Mr Briasco amidst loud applause. Mr Briasco, who was completely taken by surprise, expressed his heartiest thanks for the gift. He said that whatever he had done had been to him a work of pleasure, and he would in the future continue to do his utmost to further the advancement of the Society.—(Applause).