ST. MARY'S, GERALDINE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2770, 9 August 1883, Page 6

ST. MARY'S, GERALDINE.

Oq Wednesday evening last a saortd concert, the first held m Geraldine, and probably tbe beßt from a mniical point of view over held m the district, took place m the new Parish Chorea. The building, a detailed description of which appeared m the Timant Herald gome time ago, is a grand one, taking into consideration the size of the parish and township. The exterior, though neat looking, is no criterion of tbe handiome interior of the church, which reflects the greatest credit on all who hare been connected with the erection of the edifice. Though finished the building is not famished, and the need of funds for this purpose saggeated the idea of a grand sacred concert, to be held m the new church previous to its consecration. The execution of the work was left entirely to Mr Willoughby, who, by his indefatigable efforts and personal influence, gathered together tho very best magical talent from churches m Timarn, Temuka and neigh* borhood for the occasion. The concert was a novel one, sines the'' performers included not only members of the Church of England choir from Temukft and Geraldine, bnt also of the Presbyterian, Primitive Methodist and Weelevdn choirs of the Utter place, as well as the Roman Catholic choir from Timaru. It is most gratifying to' state that, though the evening was wet, an ajidience numbering probably not lees than 350 assembled and comfortably filled the cburch. Thanks to the forethought of the manager, the arrangements were m every way perfect and the music selected good. Added to this that tlio musical directorship was undertaken by Mr Edmonds of Temuka, and that the organist for tha Temtika acd G-eraldine choir* was Mias Fish, and for the Timaru choir Miss Ball, — it is not a matter for surprise that the concert was so thoroughly successful. The programme, a very loDg one, commenced with a pianoforte solo by Miai Ball. This was followed by an anthem " Thine, O Lord," by an united choir of upwards of 30 voices, mider the directorship of Mr Edmonds. Mr Rutland next sang m a most telling mannrr " Why do the Nations," from Handel. A solo aod quartette "Agnus Dei," by Mr Howies of Titraru, Mrs Fihner, Mr Edmonds and Mr Walcot, was well rendered, the voices blending well together, and made the performers at once popular with the audience. The Presbyterian and Methodist choirs then sang two verses of a hymn, as an example of tbe Oburch mu»io of the former body. The selection was an excellent one and the music very well rendered. The next item blodb would have well repaid anyone for their attendance, even on such a disagreeable night. It was Glover's " Consider the Lilies," and, the soloist Mrs Bout. The pieca was exquisitely rendered — the enunciation of each syllable being clear, and audible to every person m the room. The appreciation of the audience was clearly shown by "their strict silence during the tinging of the piece, and tho buret of applame which greeted the singer at its termination. A solo and quartette, " Quid Betribuam Domino," by Mrs Filmer and others followed. This piece was also a musical treat ; Mrs Filmer's fine voice being heard to good advantage. An apolopy on behalf of Miss Buckley, and Eey. P. Wills, who were unable t:> be present, was offered by Mr Willoughby, who at the same time pleased the audience greatly by inforining them that Mrs Bout had consented to sing an extra bolo, to supply the omission. The solo selected was tbe beautiful piece "He shall feed His flock." The manner m which this was sung, showed that Mrs Bout is oapable of interpreting the best musio ; the fine passages of the piece being admirably rendered. Mrß Filmer, Messrs Bowles, Walcot and Edmonds then fsvored the audience with Weber's " Benedictus," m which they were quite as successful as m their first nltsrapt. An anthem, "I will lift op mine eyes," by the united choir, which «v ▼cry well sung, terminated tbe first ptftof the programme. After an interval of ten minutes, the second part of the programme opened with another: anthem by the united ohoir, entitled, "My God, look upon me." Mrs Filmer was/ en* tirely successful m the next piece, the solo " Ate Maria " (Cherubine), the difficult

passages being gives with great expression and effect. Mr Rutland Bang " Roaming on the foaming billows " exceedingly well, and was deservedly applauded. " Tantum ergo " (Rossini), a duet by Mrs Filmcr and Mr Duval, was one of the most popular pieces sung during the evening. Tbe Primitive Methodist choir next sang two verses of a hymn, the tune of which was entitled "Radiance." The singing of this hymn elicited loud expressions of approbation from the audience. Mr Edmonds sang Handel's " Arm, arm, ye brave " m an excellent manner, m which his voice was heard to good advantage. The Church of England choir next sang " Hark, my soul, it is the Lord," m which the voiee3 of the children and adults blended very nicely. Mrs Boat's rendering of Haydn's "With verdure clad," the next piece, was very effective. This probably gave greater scops to her voice than any of the other pieces. Bounds of applause were accorded to her at the end of the solo. The Timaru choir then gave the grand piece of music, Mozart's Twelfth Mbsp, most effectively. The piece went vory spiritedly throughout. Mrs Edmonds next sang "He ■was despised " m a manner which must have pleased everyone present. The solo was rendered by her with great expression and care. The chorus " To Thee, great Lord " (Rossini) by the united choir, which was probably more successful than any of the previous pieces, terminated the very successful programme. The Rev. Jas. Preston, Incumbent of the parish, then cam a forward, and m a short speech proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had assisted at the concert, making speci 1 mention of tli!> ■ervicos rendered by Mr Edmonds and Mrs Bout, Mrs Filmer, and Mr Dnval. He was, he said, exceedingly pleased to see several old friends arr.ong the performers, such as Mr Butland and Mr Pilbrow, who were always ready to assist m a cause of the kind. In referring to the new church, he congratulated the architect on tbe splendid building erected by him. Mr Edmonds, on behalf of the performers, then briefly thanked the audience for their unsnimcua vote of thanks, and tho proceedings olosed by singing the National Anthem.

Through an unfortunate omission, since regretted by everyone who was present, no formal vote of thanks was proposed to Mr "Willoufshby, the manager of the concert, to whose efforts the public are indebted for the evening's musical treat. The hearty thanks of the audience were certainly due to anyone who could arrange and provide co varied and successful an entertainment, and would no doubt have been cheerfully accorded had not tho matter escaped their notice at the time. The thanks of the audienco are also due to Miss Fish for tne excellent mariner m which she played the various nccotnpaniments. The performers were unanimous m praising her skill and good taste.

The gross proceeds of the concert must have been considerably upwards of £30. It must be added that Mr Macdonald, of Waitui, very kindly provided and dispensed refreshments to all performers, at the institute.