AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10971, 27 January 1899, Page 5

AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

"ELIJAH.' The principal attraction at the Exhibition, last evening, was the production of Mendelssohn's "Elijah." Long before half-past seven, the hour at which the doors were an-

nounced to open, the public collected in large numbers. Some of them, in their i eagerness to effect an entrance, overstepped the bounds of politeness, and were positively insulting to some of those in charge, quit* forgeltng that the lattei could not depart from their advertised pledge to the general public, that doors would open at a certain hour. Tht hall was crowded in every part, and many were disappointed in not gaining admission. The popular oratorio was most satisfactorily rendered, and it has probably never been'given before a more appreciative audience in Auckland. The most noticeable feature was the evenness of the production, and its success is all the more creditable to the performers when it is known that they have had but.five rehearsals, and on two occasions the evenings were pouring wet. To many of the choir the work was quite new, so that very diligent attention must have been paid to the few rehearsals they were enabled to attend. In the first part, several of the items (notably " Cast Thy Burden," the quartette) were marred by the slowness of the tempo, but this defect was entirely absent in the latter part of the work, when the time was all that could be wished. The soloists—Miss Lorngan (soprano), Mrs. Archdale Tayler (soprano), Madame Du Rieu (alto), Miss Laing (mezzo-soprano), Mr. John W. Hill (tenor), and Mr. John Prouse (bass)-were in good voice, and created favourable impressions in their various numbers. Miss Lorrigan gave a very fine rendering of " Hear Ye, Israel, and in the air and duet, " Help Me, Man of God," with Mr. Prouse, she was advantageously heard. Mrs. Archdale Tayler and Miss Laing both had small parts, but what they did was successful. Madame Du Rieu, compared with tho three principal soloists, little to do, but the portions of the oratorio which fell to her lot were among the most satisfactorily treated. Her singing of the air," Woe Unto Them," was beautiful, and the public were quick to appreciate it. The favourite, " Oh, Rest in the Lord," was also listened to with pleasure. " See, Now He Sleepeth," was Mr. Hill's best number, and his other items were conscientiously rendered. Mr. Prouse, to whom the major portion of the solo work attaches, was quite equal to tho task, and his items found much favour with the audience. "As God the Lord,' the introduction, was delivered in fine dramatic style, but ill tho air, "It IB Knougn,' he was certainly heard at Ins best, and gave it a very feeling rendition. The 'cello accompaniment was magnificently played bv Mr. U. A. Paque, L.A.M. The spirited solo " Is Not This Word" lacked soma of the fire and vigour that the score demands, but still it was an excellent number. " Lift Thine Eyes," the unaccompanied trio was, as it should be, very delicately treated. The chorus work was very even and very good, especially in view of the short time for preparation before mentioned, and tho performers must be warmly congratulated. " Baal, we Cry to Thee," was a grand chorus, but glorious is the only word to apply to that which concluded part ono, namely, " Thanks be to God.' It should be mentioned that the choir received the assistance of the Choral Society, and this aouitiou was of material help in the production of the work. The orchestra surpassed itself, and played throughout with great taste. Dr. Cox, the efficient leader, was ably assisted by Mr. Arthui Eady, and Mr. H. Leslie Hunt presided at the organ with ability. Herr Carl Schmitt, without whom an oratorio would not seem complete to us in Auckland, had, as usual, i splendid com- , mand over the singers and players. ELOCUTIONARY CONTESTS. All intending competitors in the second elocutionary competition are notified by advertisement that entries close to-morrow at noon. The contest takes place on the 31st inst., and it has also been arranged that the medals won in the previous musical and elocutionary contest should be publicly presented on that occasion. A short programme of exceptional interest is being arranged for the same evening.