PRESBYTERIAN OHUEUH, POET CHALMERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8634, 25 October 1889, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN OHUEUH, POET CHALMERS.

A great musical treat was afforded the people af Port Chalmers yesterday evening, when the cantata, " Esther," was produced at the Presbyterian Church. There was an excellent attend-' ance, nearly all the.seats in the church being occupied. The Key. J. Ryley, prior to the opening chorus, stated, that he had been requested to make an explanation relative to the cantata, which referred to the state of: the Jewish nation. as related in the "Book of Esther." He should dp this as briefly as'possible, as the cantata itself with the connective readings would fully explain: the wonderful events it was intended to represent. He thenl lucidly called attention to the state of the Jews during the reign of Ahasuerus and to the part taken by Esther, on behalf, of her suffering people. The cantata was in two parts, and,- in addition to the principal vocalists, a choir of 40 voices sang the choruses. Great praise is due to Mr Cleghorn, the condnctor, who handled his choir with much skill, the result being that the different choruses were crisply and excellently rendered, several of them calling forth loud applause from the audience. Miss M. Elder played the accompaniments on the organ with taste, and from first to, last the cantata was a success. Of the Poloists, Miss Grey, who sang the part of Esther, was heard to great advantage, and was repeatedly applauded. Miss Downs, at all times a favourite with a Port Chalmers audience, represented Zeresh, and with her fine soprano voice did fnil justice to the requirements of the part. Mr J. Jago sang the music allotted to Abasuerus with excellent effect, and the part of Mordecai had full justico from Mr.T. Hunter. Although Mr Crawford, to whom the part of Hainan was allotted, was evidently suffering from the effects of a cold, he sang well, and was deservedly applauded. At the conclusion of the cantata the Rev. Mr Ryley, on behalf of his congregation, thanked Mr Cleghorn and the ladiej and gentlemen who had taken part in the cantata for the very excellent entertainment they had rendered. He was greatly obliged to the ladies and gentlemen from Dunedin who had taken part in it, and to those of other congregations who had assisted. A voto of thanks was accorded to Mr Cleghorn, the soloists, and the choir, by acclamation.

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