ORCHESTRAL CONCERT

Evening Star, Issue 14535, 10 December 1910, Page 5

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT

I'lio Duiicdiii Orchestral Society, assisted by several vocalists, gave a concert in tho Garrison Hail List night before a fairly largo audience. Tho proceeds were, fox tho benefit of tlio -widow of the lato .Mr Thomas Barter, who -was a member of tho society for nineteen years. Tho society's action should result in material assistanco being rendored. Mr James Coombs had a numerous body of instrumentalists under him, bat tho orchestra lacked perfect balance owing to the absence of tho majority of tho players of bass stringed instruments. There was only one doublo bass, and (as far as could be seen) only one 'cello. These two players did manfully, especially tho 'cellist, whoso solo in the ' Stars of night' serenado was nicely played, sufficient tone being produced without recourse being had to forcing. Most of the orchestral numbers had been performed at a recant concert, and among them was a selection from ' Mignon,' which included the dainty gavotte. Mj Percy James gave further proof of his versatility in a musical monologue entitled ' The soliloquy of an old piano,' and tho audience wore so taken with his taste and skill that he had to comply with a demand fox more, Mr J. Leech sang Blumenthal's ' Message' with a very nice perception of values, and this, together with a tenor voice of exceedingly pleasant quality, and a very clear enunciation of tho words, made the audience quito overlook one or two trifling variations from pitch, and give tho singer a hearty recall. Mr Leech added ' Take a pair of sparkling eyes.' Miss May Found sang tho second verso of Lord Henry Somerset's ' Sleep' much bettor than the first, gaining confidence as she went on, and after the other song of her bracket, 'A bowl of roses,' she was recalled. Miss Mary Pa,ton gave Aliitsen's 'Song of thanksgiving' to well us to earn a recall also. Tho Hon. T. Fergus, president of tho society, moved a vote of thanks to all who had assisted, and the audience carried it with acclamation.