MUSICAL UNION.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 449, 6 March 1909, Page 14

MUSICAL UNION.

THE ANNUAL REPORT.

In presenting its animal report to the subscribers, unci performing members of the Wellington Musical Union, Iho committee is glad to bo nblo to record a year of successful musical achievement, the performances having been among tbo best yut rivcii by the union. Tho programmes of the four subscription concerts were- as -follow: —(1) "The Golden Legend" (Sullivan) J (2). "Faust (Gounod): (3) Miscellaneous, including '"Iho Rovciigo ,, (Stanford), "Tubal Cain" (Dunhill), "Ah, porfido" (Beethoven), song cycle, "Tho Songs of tho Wrens" (Sullivan), and pianoforte concerto in A Minor (Grieg); (1) "Israel in Egypt" (Handel). Tho committee would especially mention the third concert as being of unusual interest. .Air. T. F. Dimbill's short nnd effective- choral work "Tubal Cain" (written for Eton College) was included in tho programme, nnd, as Mr. Dunhill was at tho timo in New Zealand acting as oxaminer for tho Associated Board, he was asked to conduct his own music and also to play Grieg's pianoforte concerto. Both works woro given with marked success, and to add to tho interest of tho occasion, Mr. Leslie Peck, a former colleague of Mr. Dunhill at tbo Royal College of Music, came from \\anganuito conduct the concerto. The union I is much indebted to him and also to Mr. Charles Stephens, a visitor from England, whose singing of Sullivan's song cyclo on this occasion will long be remembered by those who were prosent. Gounod's "Faust" was to havo been given with the co-operation of Mr. Charles Saunders, but as that gentleman was unable to sing, the part was undertaken at tho last moment by Air. E. J. Hill, tbo performance suffering but littlo for the change. The thanks of tho committee are hero publicly recorded to Mr. Hill, for his prompt and valuable help, without which n postponement of the performance would have been inevitable. An attractivo scheme lias been decided on for tho coming season, fiownn's delightful work, "The Sleeping Beauty," will be given as the first concert, and in July nest it is proposed to give three performances by way of commemoration of tho centenary of Mendelssohn's birth. These will include tho oratorio "Elijah," the fine dramatic cantata, "The First "Walpurgis Night," and a miscellaneous selection of choral and instrumental works. The balancesheet shows a loss of £39 18s. 6d. upon the year's operations. This may be accounted for partly by tho fact that so many concerts iiave been given during the year by wellknown European artists. Tho committee, however, hopes that with tho fine programmo to be carried out during the present season the deficiency of revenuo may be fully made up. The committee desires to record its high appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. Robert Parker, as conductor, to whom is duo the high efficiency attained by chorus and orchestra at tho several concerts. Also to Mr. F. V. Waters, whose valuable service as sub-conductor was highly appreciated by both chorus and committee. To Mrs. E. D. Lachcmaillo, as honorary pianist, the committee desires to accord its hearty thanks for the faithful and efficient serrices, rendered by her during tho year. The thanks of the committee aro hereby recorded to Mr. J. T\. Joynt, M.A., president of the union, for tho use. of his rooms, in which all committee meetings were held. The hearty thanks of the committee aro also accorded to Mr. J. P. Ma/*ay (hon. librarian), Mr. E. C. Gachoraaille (lion, treasurer), Mr. K. S. Farmer (hon. orchestral librarian), Mr. J. W. Jack (hon. auditor), and especially Mr. A. M. Lewis (hon. secretary), whoso devoted and unwearying labours sinco the inception of the union have contributed so much to its success.