Musical

Southern Cross, Volume 15, Issue 35, 21 December 1907, Page 10

Musical

MUSICAL UNION CONCERT. At every tarn we are reminded that Xmas l is upon us 1 again. Especially was' this made apparent when on Monday night the Musical Union gave their annual Xmas concert. In former years one or more of the oratorios have been given, but on'this occasion there was a diversion, and instead a selection of the ‘‘gems” from four or five of the oratorios was rendered, among them being ‘■'Messiah,” ‘‘Creation.” ‘‘Elijah,” “Lobjesang” and “St. Paul.” The attendance was not at all what it should have been, and it must have been very disappointing to the performers to see so many empty seats. However, those who were there enjoyed it to the full—it being a pleasure to hear the old favourites once more.

The programme was a long one and varied. ‘The first part was devoted to •'•Messiah” and “Elijah.” The chorus work was splendid, especially in ‘Tie, watching over Israel” (Elijah). The solos were- taken by Mrs Hogg, ‘T know that My Redeemer Eiveth,” “Comfort Ye,” and “Every Valley,” Mr Cookson ; ‘''Why do the Xations,” Mr J. E. Taylor ; “O Rest in the Eord,” Mrs I’rank Scandrett ; and “Hear ye Israel,” Mrs Blue. The trio "Eift Thine Eyes” (unaccompanied), Mrs Hogg and Mrs Scandrett, and Miss Groftsi ; also the quartette '‘Cast Thy Burden,” Mrs Hogg- and Mrs Scandrett, and Mr Cookson and Mr V. Churton.

In the second part of the programme selections from “Lobjesang,” “St. Paul” and “The Creation” were, given, the same soloists taking part as in the first part. “O God have Mercy” and “Bolling in Foaming Billows” by Mr J. E. Taylor ; “ With Verdure Clad,” Mrs Hogg ; and “The Native Worth,” Mr Cookson ; “■ The Heavens are Telling ” (edorus 1 and trio), Mrs Hogg and Messrs" Tailor and Cookson) made a grand finale. There were also two duets in this part —“l waited for the Lord,” Mrs Hogg and Miss Crofts ; and Now we are Ambassadors,” Mr Cookson and Mr N. Churton. The soloists seemed more at home in the second part of the programme, and special mention may be made of Mrs Hogg’s rendering of “With .Verdure Clad,” also “Why do the Nations,” by Mr Taylor. The orchestra., under Mr Ferguson, accompanied each item. Great praise is due to Mr Gray, the conductor, for working upi this concert in so short a time, and with so much sickness and colds as are prevalent just now. After the audience had dispersed, the Musical Union had a happy little performance to themselves. Mr Allen, treasurer of

the Union, stepped to the platform, | and in an amusing speech presented Mr Ferguson (leader of the orchestra) with a silver cake and l entx’ee dish. Mr Ferguson responded. Mr Gray then played the Chords, and they all sang "For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” very lustily,, ending with three ringing cheers for Mr, Ferguson and his future bride..