DEVONPORT MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 259, 1 November 1893, Page 5

DEVONPORT MUSICAL SOCIETY.

The second concert of the 1893 seaso* given by the recently resuscitated Devonport Musical Society took place lasb evening in bhe Devonporb Public Hall. Tha pieces selected for bhe occasion were tha shorb cantatas, " The Daughter of Jairus '** (Stainer) and "May Day" (MacFarren). There was a large and appreciabiva audience presenb. An orchestra, comprising members of the Auckland Orchestral Union, under the leadership of Mr Cooke, played the orchestral portions mosb successfully. Mr A. Towsey conducbed bhe performance in a very able manner, and a greab deal of the success of tha concerb , was due to his exertions. Mr Alf. Barbley was ab the piano. "The Daughter of Jairus" was the first piece performed. The solo vocalists were: Miss H. Burgess (soprano), Mr J. Carter (tenor), and Mr Holloway (baritone). Misa Burgess sang well, and her vocal efforba were very well received by the audience. In the fine dueb "Love Divine, All Love Excelling," with Mr Carter, Miss Burgesa acquitted herself in a most creditable manner, and in facb sang well throughout. Mr Carter and Mr Holloway were heard to advantage, and performed the vocal work which fell bo their lob in a highly satisfactory manner. The chorus numbered 48 singers, comprising 15 sopranos, 11 contraltos, 10 tenors, and 12 basses. The chorus sang exceedingly well throughout, and in poinb of facb the choruses were bhe mosb praiseworthy features of the concert. "May Day,'* which concluded the concert, was a very pleasing performance. The solos and choruses were all well sung, and the brighb and tuneful numbers delighted tha audience. Several of the numbers wera encored, and bhe choruses were especially well sung, tho concluding chorus, "The Revels," being excellently given. Miss Shorb was vocal soloisb in " May Day," and she acquibbed herself in bhe music of " Tha May Queen" with much credit. Altogether, bhe concerb was a success, and bhe performance proved that, bbc Devonporb Musical Society had since their initiation made very good progress.