THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 905, 11 March 1879, Page 2

THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

A Society resemblos in some measure a corporation, in that it has "No soul to be ruined, or body to be kicked," but if the Philharmonic has no soul, the members have certainly a full measure of sympathy for those who suffer, and their kindly feeling is no empty sound of mere verbiage, but takes an eminently valuable and practical form, as last night's effort amply proves. It would be clearly unfair to all concerned to enter into an elaborate criticism of the performance, as if it were one of the Society's statutory concerts, given after careful and painstaking practice. Everything was done on the spur of the moment. The Committee decided to render any assistance in their power with as little delay as possible ; thus some of the performers were quite new to the Club, having only seen them once, and eacli soloist had scant time for preparation. In all tho gleos the same fault was observable—a marked hesitation in starting—otherwise they went fairly, the best being "La Carita," the treble solo of which suited the lady soloist well. The beautiful finish and absolute correctness with which intervals are taken is her special characteristic ; but we think the concluding five bars of the piece should be taken in strictest time. The quartette in "From Oberon." was taken prettily and evenly ; the voices were nicely balanced, and the effect smooth and pleasant. We imagine that few towns of equal size in ISTew Zealand can boast so many exceptionally good soloists as Oamaru, and those who last evening listened to the singers were evidently of that opinion ; several ladies were honored by bouquets being thrown to them, and throughout tho two hours and a half occupied by tliG performance, the audience testified their warm appreciation of every fresh effort. The result will be satisfactory to all who lent their aid, as the gross proceeds are, we hear, so far as is ascertainable, from L3O to L 35. The hall was exceedingly well filled; there was a much larger number present than we have seen at any amateur entertainment for some considerable time, and at the finish of a most popular concert, all left well pleased tjiat they had all killed two birds with one stone —subscribed to a good cause and spent a really pleasant time.