ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17424, 19 September 1918, Page 7

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

It speaks well for. the popularity of the Dunedm Orchestral Society when it can till -His Majesty's Theatre as it did last night. Hitherto tho concerts liavo been held in the King's Theatre; but a change was made iast night to His Majesty's, where tho orchestra was heard to better advantage. The weather was of the worst description, but that had no elfoot upon intending patrcns, who had no cause to regret any little discomfort they may "have experienced in facing tho elements, the concert being among the best tho society has given of late years. Solo items figured largely "on tho programme. Indeed, these and orchestral selections were about evenly balanced—a condition of things unusual at tho society s concerts. The orchestra opened with Elgar's "Imperial" march, which was played with stirring effect; and the next selection consisted of Nos. 2 and 5 from Sir Frederick Cowen's suite "Language of FloNvers." a very pretty, tuneful composition, which was veil played and deservedly applauded. The musio of Heroic! s. most successful opera, '' Zampa," is at all times acceptable, and the overture to that work was remarkably well played, even though the leading up to the presto passages was not always as perfect as it might have been. Tho overture was briskly and brightly played. Tiio orchestra entered upon even more familiar ground when it played selections from Sullivan's comic opera ' Patience." 'The selections consisted of many of the 10 solos in the opera, and were allotted to various instruments, particularly the euphonium. The item was probably the most popular one on the programme, and drew loud applause. "The Cloister Waltz," by Prout, was the concluding contribution by the orchestra. Mrs J. D. Woods df>3s not often essay to play solos, being content, to fill the important office of accompanist to the society; but last evening she gave a pianoforte solo (Mendelssohn's "No. 1 Concerto"), which she played very successfully, tho orchestra supplying ail accompaniment which was occasionally a trifle obtrusive. So well pleased was tho audience with Mrs Woods's performance that, long 'is tho concetto is, there was an evident disposition to hoar more of it. Mr J.. M'Grath had to reap near for his singing, of Hewitt's "The Grey North Sea.," and his rendering of "Up from Somerset" (a country ditty) received the same flattering attention. Miss Kathleen Carter sang Allitsen s Song of Thanksgiving" very pleasinglv, and; in responding to a recali Home, Sweet Home" delightfully Tho charming old ballad was eung with becoming simplicity. Miss Carter avoiding the mistake of introducing ornamentations, as some singers do. Later in tho evening she ™S"PS's " Salaam" and D'Hardelot-'s 1 Hid My Love" quite successfully The orchestra was conducted by Mr James Ooombs m his usual efficient manner.