CHORAL HALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8928, 17 December 1887, Page 5

CHORAL HALL.

"THE FLOWER, QUEEN."

UkDER the conductorabip of Mr. Thomas Cranweil, muaioal instructor to the Board of Education, a very agreeable concert performance was given last night at the Choral Hall. It consisted of a very bright and pleasing cantata, "The Flower Queen," arranged for ladiee' voices by Mr. G. F. Root, and the performers were Mr. Cranwell's pupils, senior scholars, and lady assistant teaohers of the public schools. The stage was beautifully ornamented with flowers and evergreens representing a forest dell in which' the flowers meet to elect a queen. A recluse (Mr. Cranweil), weary of the world, Bought in this dell retirement from the world's cares; but charmed by the songs of the flowers and their tales of love and duty, he resolved to return again and become useful to his fellow-creatures. There was a large chorus of about 80 voices, and the perfect harmony and accord whioh prevailed speaks volumes for the assiduity and care bestowed on their training by Mr, Cranweil, who, we understand, has had the cantata for rehearsal for upwards of a month. The children ware beautifully dressed, eaoh decorated with and holding in their hands bouquets of flowers, and the soloists were decorated with the flowers which they individually represented, such as the rose, lily, croons, dahlia, sunflower, tulip, etc. The music throughout is of a sparkling and pleasing character. The choruses were particularly effeotive, and many of the solos and duets were given with a great deal of taste and excellence, as well as with a confidence which could hardly have been expected.