KAMO.

Northern Advocate, 24 November 1888, Page 3

KAMO.

TJlTbEit THE PAL£l^^-*-^| Tm^_ieauti*iil Sacred Cantata, entitled ''Under the Palms," was rendered in the Kamo Wesleyan Church, on Friday evening, November 16th, by the Sunday School and adult choir, in all about 100 voices, assisted by Messrs Lawrence, Eeyburn. R. Reyburn jr., violins ; J. Reyburn jr., 'cello. Miss Whitelaw presided at the organ, and fulfilled her difficult part with great taste and skill. The Church was tastefully and appropriately decorated with nikau palms and flowers, above which was a beautifully executed banner bearing the title of the Cantata, the work of one of the elder scholars. The building was filled to its utmost capacity, many having to bo satisfied with only standing room of the doors. The annual services of song, conducted by Mr Walton, have always been largely attended and highly appreciated, but we think this one has surpassed any of its predecessors ; the manner in which it was given reflects great credit on that gentleman, and demonstrates his rare ability as a choir trainer and conductor. Mr Dixon, superintendant of the Sun-

day School, acted as Chairman, and made a few introductory remarks, explaining the subject of the Cantata. It would take up too much space to comment on each item of the programme, but some are deserving of special mention. The opening chorus, " Awake Captives Awake," was given with boldness and precision, and was followed by a tenor solo by Mr Albon, whose fine voice aud tasteful singing in this and other pieces cannot be too highly praised. The quartet, " They that Sow in Tears," by Misses Jackson and Goodwin, Messrs J. McKenzie, and A. Carter, was remarkably pretty, the only fault being its brevity. The recitation " Ahava Kiver," given by Miss Cheeseman in a very pleasing manner, with the response by the choir, had a very pretty effect. The soprano solo, "O Shepherd who Leadest, ' is one of the gems of the cantata, and was given by Mrs Day, who did it full justice. The duet, " Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem," by Misses Jackson and Harrison, was very beautiful and -well sung, their voices blending admirably. Mr Brown's solo, *• When the Soul draws Near to God," was a very pleasing item. Mrs Sissous contributed two solos, which j were very tastefully rendered. The trio, by Misses Greaves, Frazer, and Goodwin was very pretty and well given. The bass solo, by Mr Cutforth, with chorus, was one of the nicest things on the pro- j gramme. The sprightly tenor solo by Mr Wright was well done. The alto solo by Miss Frazer, was well rendered and pretty. Tho bass solos, taken by Mr Fell, were all done in very good style. The bass solo by Mr F. Elliott, witb chorus, was very effective. The soprano < solo, taken bj Miss Cutforth, was much admired. This young lady has evidently ! a good voice, and with careful training should turn out a first rate artistic. The l quartet by Mrs Day, Miss Harrison, 1 Messrs Griffin and Pell, with obbligato, > by Miss Walton, was very well done, Miss r Walton's clear voice telling out well on ■ the high notes of her difficult part. The ) next quartet, "My Soul the Savour's Message Hear," given by Misses F. A. McKenzie and Greaves, Messrs E. Beyburn and Albon, was a very beautiful : piece, and was fully done justice to. ; The choruses were decidedly the best feature of the cantata, aud showed much

■careful training Tho most charming ; wero those givon by about thirty little ; girls from five to eight years old, the iittle folks keeping admirable time and settting thoir elders a good example of watching the conductor's baton. A novel and remarkably beautiful chorus was, " Neath the Palm's Protecting Shade," which was first sung very softly and then hummed. The charmingly soft effect of singing with mouths closed, needs to bo hoard to be realized. The Cantata was brought to a closo with tho splendid chorus, "We are Marching Homo to Zion," in which the little ones took a prominent part, waving their boquets as they sang. The Chairman then conveyed to the conductor the expressed desire of many in tho audience, that the Cantata should be repeated t After some consultation witb the choir, it was announced that it would be given again in the same place on the following Sunday evening. This arrangement being nmde chiefly on account of the Rev. Mr Thomas not being able to take the pulpit on that evening owing to his absence ih Auckland at the District Meeting. The church was again crowded to the doors on this occasion, the public thus showing their appreciation of this beautiful work. On both occasions tho strictest silence was observed by the audience, the sacred character of tho Cantata being evidently felt.