DUNEDIN ORCHESTAL SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 57

DUNEDIN ORCHESTAL SOCIETY.

The Dunedin Orchestral Society gave th* first concert of their sixteenth season in the Garrison Hall on the sth. The building waa filled in all parts. The society's concerts nj* deservedly popular. They maintain a good average standard of merit, are invariably characterised by good management, and are as enjoyable to listen to as they must be musically helpful to those who take part in them. The society can be congratulated on the manner in which it has pursued the even tenor of its way and has established itself firmly in publio regard Last evening's concert presented- no remarkable features, but was as enjoyable as its predecessors. The work of the orchestra was painstaking and generally meritorious, and the society's conductor (Mr James Coombs) has achieved a very fair degree of success with those under his baton. This is ■evident by the selections contributed. Most noteworthy, among these last evening wera Kossini's " Tajieredi " overture, a selection fromGounod's " PoJyceute,'' and a suite "Scenes AJsaciennes," by Massenet. The two lastnamed compositions especially present difficulties that require considerable surmounting. Th© " Scenes Alsaciennes " is that peculiar descriptive class of music for the understanding of which the programme explanation is very acceptable. It is full of striking transitions and novel effects, and- the variety running through the four movements gave tho orchestra no small task, from which, however, they, emerged with credit. Special applause was bestowed on the rendering of the beautiful third scene, " Sons les Tilieuls. The " Polyceute " selection was enjoyable, and was interpreted with a good dead of facility considering its intricacies and with due regard to breadth a! impression. Perhaps, all things considered, is was the orchestra's best performance Tha " Tancredi " overture proved very enjoyable. and quite within the orchestra's powers. It was rendered with a nice precision, Hght anil 1 shade effect, and sense of proportion. The remaining orchestra-1 selections were Thomas's overture to "'Le Caid "— a. bright and taking composition of no particular depth — and a stirring march—" Bravour "—by Zilhnnn, botb. well worth a place on the programme, whici. concluded with one of Strauss's seductive waltz's, " Tausend und cine Kacht," a veritablo restorative of peace and good humour. Tha vocal part of the concert was in the hands of Miss Nellie Black and Mr James Jago. Misq Black's solos were Allitßen's " Song of thanksgiving" — a fine number, but just rather too exacting in it 3 demands for the vocalist to be at her best. The rendering was none the lees exceedingly tasteful, though Miss Black was heard to better advantage in " Homo song " (Liddle), which was sung with a facility tnd ft sympathy that left nothing to be desired. Mr Jago was in good voice, and chose two excellent solos. He gave very pleasing renderings of both— " Where willows whisper" (Ashworth) and " I arise from dreams of thee " (Salaman). Both singers were recalled, but contented themselves with bowing their acknowledgments. Mr Coomb 3 was in his usua! place as conductor, and Mr A. J. Barth, A.L.A.M., acted as accompanist.

The Westport Coal Company's output last week was 10,563 tons of coal.