THE EXHIBITION.

Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 61, 9 September 1885, Page 3

THE EXHIBITION.

The most successful performance of Handel'a pastoral oantata, *' Aoia and Galatea," whioh has yet taken place in Wellington oame off in the concert hall last evening. The audionoe was a very numerous one. Although the removal of the organ and the orohestoal platform has given extra accommodation for about 500 people, the whole of the seats were oooupied Wore the performance commenced, and a large number of persons were obliged to stand. The ohoir numbered about 300, and the orchestra included most of the leading amateurs in the city. Madame Pauline Rita appeared aa Galatea, and filled the character in a satisfactory manner. Her rich soprano voioe was heard to advantage in the songs, "Hush! ye pretty warbling choir"and "Ab when th» dove." Madame Rita suffered from a oold last night, and in oonsequsnee was obliged to omit one pf net songs. The oharaoter of Aqis was taken by Mr. Izard, of Christchnroh, who possesses a good tenor voioe, The reoitative, ''Lo! here my love," was porhaps his best performance. Mr. E. J. nill made a very auocearfu) Damon. His rendering of the air "Shepherd, what art thou pursuing?" wa« particularly good. The music allotted to Polyphemus was sunst by Mr. F, V, Waters, who acquitted himself with oonaiderable credit. The air "O ruddier than the oherry " was given by him with great suooass. The ohoruaes were well balanoed, and the orohestra played in a manner whioh left little to be desired. Mr. Hautrie West supplied the organ accompaniments, while Mus Maud Williams aooompanied on the piano. The oantata was performed under the direction of Mr. Robert Parker. At the conclusion of the performance a concert took place, four items being given. These were a vocal solo by Madame Rita, with flute and organ obbligato by Messrs. Radcliffe and Parker, a song by Mr. Izard, and a oouple of teleotions by the orchestra. 1 . The attendance yesterday was 1786, 1430 of 'whom passed through after 7 p.m: Some dissatisfaction 'was oaoaaioned last evening inconsequence of an announcement that the public would be eioluded from the oonoert hall until 7i45 o'olook unless .they chose to pnrohaab tiokets fdr reserved seats. & number of people objected to the new ijeder of things, and some of them' were ou Jfta point of leaving the building when Mr. A.' G. Johnson prevailed upon the management; to allow the hall to be thrown open to till', thft reserved seats, however, being kept intact for those who had paid for them. ' The operetta '" Trial by Jury," with Madame Rita as the plaintiff, is tq be produced this evening. The remaining characters will be taken by members of the Wellington Amateur Dramatio Club. The performance will be preceded by a oonoert, at whioh Mr. John Kadoliffo will contribute Borne flute aolos. The Executive, with a view to adding to the attractions of the Exhibition, are anxious to arrange for competitive entertainment*, suoh as volunteer exeroises, singing by Sunday School ohildren, athletic olub exercises, dressed doll shows, children's flower, fruit, and vegetable shows, &o. Any persons desirous of assisting in one or mor« of these affairs are requested to communicate with Mr. Callis before Saturday next.