CHORAL SOCIETY : "THE MESSIAH."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5649, 24 December 1879, Page 5

CHORAL SOCIETY : "THE MESSIAH."

TuEChristmasperf.rnmuoeof "The Messiah" by the members of the Auckland Choral Society took place last eveuing, in the Choral Hall, and was perhaps the beat and mi st Bucce-sful of the series of these pc: fonnanccß. The ball was crowded. Probably every person ia the band and chirus bad taken part in several previous renderings of th'i3 oratorio, and was quite conversant with the music, and thus Mr. Eice, the conductor of tin Society, was able to bring out the niceties of the concerted pieces throughout. 'Clio band numbered 31 performers, and the introduction, the pastoral symphony, and the accompaniments were rendered in a style, which could not be excelled in much larger citiis than Auckland. There were 70 vocalists in the chorus, aud justice was done to the nius'c they had to sing in its force, aud maj 'sty, and sweetness, aul plaintii'cncss. 1" the first part the solos were by Mr. 1C Mr. 13. Harkcr, Mrs. ltcvitt, Mrs. Mitchell, and Miss Corbet. This is Mr. llicjardi's first appcirance in Auckland since his tour of New ZeaUuo, and we were glad to find thtt he was iu excellent voice ; he sung the pic-'m allotted to him with great care ami skill. Mrs. Mitchell delighted the audience, her sius;iii£ of "I know that my Redeemer livcth" beiag thoroughly appreciated. In the aecontl part the s:ilo3 were -Ming by Mrs. Mitchell. Miss Mauuscll, Mr. G. Uarker, and Mr. Dickson.