THE PHILHARMONIC, SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Evening Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 99, 15 November 1882, Page 2

THE PHILHARMONIC, SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

«. The second concert given by the Wellington Philharmonic Society attracted a very largo audience to the Theatre Eoyal last evening, notwithstanding the continuous heavy rain which fell. His Excellency Sir James Prondergast was present with his suite! The programme comprised Professor G. A. Macfarren's cantata (for soprano solo and chorus), " May Day," and the late Mr. Balfe's operetta, " Mazeppa." The hitter was expressly composed for ono of Mr. Sims Beeves' benefit concerts, in which the great English tenor assumed the title rile. The work was once given in Wellington by the now-defunct Choral Society nine years ago. Its fresh, melodious character renders it a very taking and popular piece for amateur musical societies to produce, while the absence of executivo difficulty places it well within their power. Professor Macfarren'B cantata is also pleasing and effective, although by no means equal to other works of this composer. Unfortunately both were heard " under a cloud'" last night. All the ' principal singers' wore suffering from colds, and at tho latest moment word was received that Miss Eondell, to whom was entrusted the whole of the soprano solo work, was too ill to leave her room. An apology was made to the audience by the hon. secretary, Mr. Edwards (to whom much praise may be given for the efficiency of the general arrangements), but the mishap completely spoiled the concert. A damper was cast -on everybody,' conductor, band, ohorus, and soloists alike, and tho _ effect was so vory noticeable that criticism would be unfair and ungenerons. A lady chorus-sjnger kindly undertook at a minute's notice- the soprano part (Theresa)^ in "Mazeppa," and did her be*t under obvious disadvantages. Miss Staples as Nita displayed an excellent contralto voice and much promise. Mr. Edwards sang the tenor music with correctness and taste, and Mr. E. Hill acquitted himself admirably as the Count, his interpretation of the song " O thou dear one" being the best thing of the evening. His younger brother, the wellknown juvenile instrumentalist, played the incidental cornet solo most effectively. The overture to " Mazeppa " was for some unexplained reason omitted. Mr. West conducted carefully and well, while Misse3 Parsons and Smith and Mr. Conolly efficiently fulfilled ' the respective duties of pianiste, organist, and leader of the orchestra. __^_________