Hastings Musical Society.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 6292, 30 October 1891, Page 3

Hastings Musical Society.

(own cobeespondent.)

The musical and Orchestral Society of Hastings made their debut last night to a crowded house. It has been urged for years that sufficient material existed for a good Musical Sooiety. The performance last night proved the fact, although the management wisely availed itself of talent from other places. This, no doubt, was an important element of strength in last night's concert. The overture to " Martha "by the orchestra was commenced punctually at eight o'clock, Messrs H. G. Spackman Herbert Spackman, and Burnett (bassoon) lending their aid. The overture went smoothly, and some of the airs were nicely brought out, although in some instances there was a tendency to overpower on the part of the orchestra, a feature easily' acquired by a large body of amateurs.' "Three Doughty Men" brought out the full power of the vocul members of tho. Society.

" Calvary," byMissM.Collioge, a favorite in Hastings, was an item rendered with expression. Miss M. Lee followed with a classical violin selection, which was well received. Mr Hoskings sang " My Sweetheart When a Boy," for which he was encored, when he gave "My Pretty Jane." A vocal trio by Messrs J. and H. Martin and E. D. Smith,

" Hark, 'tis the Indian Drum " followed. Miss A. St. Hill's song of " The Fairy Voyage " earned for her the approbation of the audience. Mr A. A. George played next a cornet solo, "The Better Land," with full orchesti al accompaniment. The

"Captain of the Lifeboat," was sung by Mr J. A. Fraser, who also received an encore tbat could not be refused!. On account of these recalls the interval was dispensed with, and Mendelssohn's " Athalie " proceeded at once. This was a spirited performance by the orchestra, and perhaps 'their best effort. The time was well kept, and the instrumental portions well balanced. Another excellent part song by the entire company was then given, and was followed by " A Children's Home " by Mr Hoskine, who this time, declined an encore. The beautiful " Angelus," from

"Maritana," was given by Mrs E. Smithand Messrs E. Smith and J. D. Fraser. It was accompanied by Misses Lee and the Misses Kelly, violin, piano, and organ. This was certainly one of the best pieces of the evening. An instrumental trio by Gounod, " Aye Maria," was another proof of the skill of the three ladies last named. "Nazareth" was capitally sung by Mr H. Martin. Miss Wyllie was very successful in " My Heart is Sair for Somebody." Mr Herbert Spackmau's violin obligato was a masterpiece, and the harplike tones he brought out in the "pizzicato runs," a most difficult work, fully sustained his reputation. As to the organ, it will be sufficient to say that Mr H. G. Spackman played it. The " Bohemian Girl " overture was a fine selection. The last piece was a chorus by the entire company, "The Stars That Are Above Us," whioh was decidedly the prettiest and heat of their joint efforts. Much praise is due to Mr E. D. Smith, conductor, who will find himself well repaid for his work by tho great success of the concert; to the Misses Kelly, who accompanied ; and very especially to the musical friends from Napier and other places who so materially assisted. No doubt the Society's funds will be largely as the hall waa full, and very few complimentary tickets were issued. It is hoped that the Society will give another performance at no distant period.