ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 April 1931, Page 10

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

A SUCCESSFUL CONCERT

The second Subscribers’ Concert of the 1930-31 season of the Greymouth Orchestral Society was given, last night, before a large audience at the Town Hall. Under the able conductorship of Mr. F. Restieaux the orchestra gave a delightful rendering of the various numbers, it being evident that considerable practice and thought had been devoted to, interpreting the themes of the various composers. The opening number, the overture “Light Cavalry” by Von Suppe was delightfully given, and- this was followed by the ever popular “In a Persian Market” by Ketelbey. The patrol effect in this number was well brought out by the orchestra, although closer attention to the conductor’s baton in the pizzicato movements could have been given. ColeridgeTaylor’s “Petite Suite de Concert” was the next contribution and was the most enjoyable number of the evening. The suite consists of four pieces “La Caprice de Nannette,” “Demande et Response,”. “Un Sonnet d’Amour” and “La, Tarantelle Fretillante,” and each was rendered with fine feeling, the declamatory phases in the first piece, the haunting melody of the love song, and the brilliancy of the Tarantelle being well delivered. Sir Arthur Sullivan’s “Lost Chord,” was the next item, the cornet solo being taken by Mr. Donald Bell whose work left nothing to be desired. The accompaniment by the other 'members of -the*orchestra could have been kept down more, with distinct advantage to the soloist. Verdi’s “11 Troyatore” and a selection from “The Country Girl” by Mbnckton completed the orchestral part of the concert, and each of these numbers was in keeping-with the high standard of the previous items.

The vocalists were Mrs Baumgart and Mr. J. Duffy. Mrs Baumgart pleased the audience with her rendering of - that well known ballad “Ben Bolt” by Kreass, and for a well-deserv-ed recall gave “The Banjo Song” by Homer, in tasteful style. Mr. Duffy was heard to good effect in the bracketed numbers “Angels Guard Thee” by Goddard, and “Come into the Garden Maud” by Baife. A double obligato to the. former number was played by Miss Mildred Coburn on the violin, and Mr. Clarrie Moss on the cello. Special mention must be made of the manner in which the accompaniments were played by M_iss L. Higgins and Miss McSherry.

Judging from the numbers who were present at last night’s concert, and the manner in which all the items were received, it is evident that the Orchestral Society is filling the breach caused by the cessation of the old society. With the co-operation of its subscribers and the keenness displayed by its members, the Greymouth Orchestral Society may confidently look forward to still greater measures, of success.