DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18198, 19 March 1921, Page 6

DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

, The first concert of the above society’s thirty-fourth season, to be held this evening, will convince tne society’s many friends and supporters that, like the green bay tree, it: continues to flourish. The rehearsals have been such as to inspire Mr Coombs, the conductor, with confidence as to the ability of the orchestra to render a high class. performance. Of the orchestral items perhaps the most interesting, from the fact that it is a modern work hitherto new to Dunedin, is the suite ” Joseph . and His Brethren.” It is in three numbers—the “Prelude,” the “Caravan,” and the “Bacchanalian Dance.” All three are distinct in character. The “ Prelude ” opens with a quaint melody for the horns, gradually merging into an ensemble for full orchestra. The “Caravan” is’ unique in its suggestion of the essence of the spirit of the desert. The “ Bacchanalian Dance ” typifies the dance of Bacchus (God of Wine) in its tempestuous abandon. The singers are Miss Mabelle Esquilant and Mr W. Ewart Crewes. Miss Esquilant has received lavish praise from the press of the northern cities for her efforts on the concert platform. Sheris in the front rank of New Zealand contraltos, and the beautiful quality of voice and her finished artistry are the theme of the critics. Mr W. Ewart Crewes sings with intelligence, and’ his songs are characterised with a keen musical insight. .