EXHIBITION ORCHESTRA.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 103, 4 May 1907, Page 5

EXHIBITION ORCHESTRA.

Quite recently residents of Palmerston district were treated to a revelation in band music from the Besses. Very few indeed liad heard previously anything approaching the grand organ-like tones, the beautiful light and shade, and the remarkable precision of Conductor Owen and his organisation. Last night at the Opera House beauties hitherto unknown' to many were again revealed. The orchestra, got together regardless of cost,, and consisting solely of the very cream of Australasian instrumentalists for the N.Z. Exhibition, gave one performance at Palmerston. Great things were expected, and as is somewhat rarely the case, the realisation was even greater than the anticipation. There was a rare beauty and purity of tone throughout, and the balance in all phases of the work was remarkably even. The individuality given to the theme, no matter in whatever part of the orchestra, was most marked, and the accompaniment was in every instance subdued with the greatest delicacy. The absolute control of the orchestra was centred in the conductor to a remarkable degree, and the responsive manner in which the orchestra followed the conductor's beat with unerring accuracy produced a truly wonderful ensemble. Particulary was, this so in the ballet music of Le Cid. The effect as the contrasts were worked up was at times thrilling. The interpretation of the conductor, Mr Alfred Hill, was marked with the breadth and dignity of a cultured musician. The compositions of the great composers whose works were produced, especially in the magnificent Taniihauser overture, were permeated with a breadth of soul and spirit that held the audience fascinated and enthralled. The violin solo of Mr George Weston, the leader of the orchestra, was a veritable gem and charmed the audience to the utmost enthusiasm, which gave practical evidence of its delight by emphatically twice recalling the talented performer. The vocalist of the evening was the popular baritone Mr John Prouse, who aided by superb orchestral accompaniments met with a most cordial reception. His programme numbers were " Pro Peccatis " and "Why do the Nations," and responding to each respectively to undeniable encores with " When I Awake " and " My Fairest Child," the latter being the composition of Mr Alfred Hill, the conductor of the orchestra.