PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18513, 25 March 1922, Page 13

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY

It cannot bo said that the Philharmonic Society is content to rest on past achievements, tor on the programme 1° he milted in Easter Week two now orchestral numbers, "iriomph de Omphale” (Saintsaens), and an “Oriental Rhapsody” (Pitt) have not been heard In the dominion before. They are not works of great magnitude, but both are from the pens of modern composers, 1 and arc most characteristic and original. Moreover, it is through the kindness of friends of the society that the pieces are given a hearing here, for they are both presentation numbers. Resides other attractive numbers there are the ‘‘Dance of the Hours” from ’’Gioconda,” a most taking and melodious item, the ‘‘March of the Priests” from “Athalie,” Overture “No. 2” (Foroni), and one or two pieces for strings only. In addition, the programme should prove one of outstanding merit, through the inclusion of the whole of the “Judgment Scene” from the opera “Aida.” Tnis includes a very fine soprano part, which will be taken by Miss Barth. There is also a fair portion allotted to the bass solo, which works in with the choir oi male voices (Priests). Tile society is indebted to the Commercial Travellers’ Choir oT between ,30 and 40 voices lor giving it the required assistance, and these gentlemen have been rehearsing regularly for some weeks past, and there should be no doubt of their giving a good account of themselves.