WILLIAM BYRD, COMPOSER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 750, 5 July 1923, Page 5

WILLIAM BYRD, COMPOSER.

.TERCENTENARY CELEBRATION^'

CONCERT AT OPERA HOUSE.

The tercentenary celebrations iti honour of William Byrd, th« famous English com'pdser, were fittingly obsorved by musical droits in Palmoislon North last. night when a concert ot premier excellence was ? resented at the Opera House by the hilharmonio Society under Mr J. Holmes Runnicles. Other participants in this fitting tribute to the memory of one whose name will ever be honoured as one of the irreatcut benefactors of the musical art, were tho members of the Orpheus Society, also under the abb conductorship of Mr J, Holmes Runniole*. the pupils- of Carflcot and Central Schools, ana Madame Elsi* Garden, soloist, who was also happily aspooifited with Mr Holmes Runnicles in the rendering of delightful duets.. Notwith* standing the inclement climatic conditions there was a very good audienoo and th« items were received with marked approbaUen, ■ ■ : Prior to tho commencement of the programme, Mr Holniw Runnicles, in his capacity of presideut of ike Manawatu Society of Professional Musician, briefly recounted the objeots of tho eonuoi-t, wluch, he observed, was a part of tercentenary celebrations in honour a! th 6 great composer whose name, lie feftretJ, conveyed little to the present gennration; but he ventured to predict that in tho course of time his namo would bo as famous in the realms of musio as was Shakespeare's in literaturo. He thanked the Philharmonic and Orpheus Societios for participating in the celebrations, -Madame Elsie Garden and Mrs W. H. K. Gilraour, the headmaster of Central School and the headmistress of Carneot School for permitting the children to take part in the programme, and all who were taking part for 'their services. Thanks were also expressed to the press for tho publicity given Jo the Cole orations and to tho public of Palmorston North for their assistance in "keeping the flag of music flying." Following the ginning of tho National Anthem, the programme opened auspicious ly with a rousing chorus t "From Oberon to Fairyland," rendered in brilliant Btyle by the Philharmonio Society. Particularly noticeable was tho well-balanced volunw of tone, which was never forced, boing attuned in sympathetic accord with the exacting demands imposed in the interpretation of the score, especially in tho sustained passages. Other items rendered by the society, which found instant favour. were " How Sweot the Moonlight Sleeps," "The Sea Hath Its Pearls," and the chorus "Vagabonds,'' with its rousing fliemo and impish tenor, which was alio encored. Ono of tho finest concerted vocal items over presented in Palmerston North was the chorus "Bells of St. Michael's Tower," rendered conjointly by the Orpheus and Philharmonio Societios. The interpretation of the themo was skilfully executed, and a feature was the suggestion of tho ringing bells. Tho vocalists roso to the fullest appreciation of the joyful and humorous suggestion of the words, which, set to - captivating air, gave adequate opportunities for volume and expression. This number was repeated. Tho Orphous Society, noted for its high standards of interpretation, was seen to excellent advantage In the martial, sou!stirriug chorus "Land of Hope and Glory." This proved to bo one of the most popular items on the programme which was acclaimed by rounds of applause. Tho other item rendered by the socitey w&s the part song, "The Long Day Closes," treated with great dolicaoy of feeling. As an encore for tho rondition of "Land of Hope and Glory" tho society obliged with the "Midnight Guard."

Madam Gardon made a welcome appearance as the only solo vocalist featured on the programme. Her rich, full-toned voice was heard to excellent advantage in "The Valley of Laughter" and "My Ships," which items wore enthusiastically received. Encores were demanded and the vocalist responded with "Whatever Is, Is Best" and another number. Madame Gardner was also happily associated with Mr J, Holmes Runnicies in the duets, "A Summer Night" and "Whero My Caravan Has Rested." Doth were pleasingly rendered, the singers' voices blending in an artistic manner. Encores were demanded and given. The school choirs of. the Central and Qarncot institutions rendered a pleasing selection of songs. The former, sang "Now Is The Month of Maying," "When Daisies Pied" and "Come Lasses and Lads," and the latter "Dawn Gentle FJower" and "Whero the Bee Sucks." Both choirs were conducted by Mr Holmes Runnicles and the efforts of the children were warmly applauded.

Mrs Gdmour' acted as accompaniate and contributed to the general success of the programme.