GISBORNE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 984, 2 September 1903, Page 2

GISBORNE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

FIRST CONCERT OF SEASON,

The Gisborne Orchestral Sooioty’a firs concert of the season was given in the Academy of Music last evoning, Mr E. N. Sidbottom conducting. Tho Orchestral Concerts are looked forward to by the musical public ot Gisborno with pleasureable anticipation, as the programmes are always good and the music excellontly rendered. Last evening the audience were more than satisfied, although several of the orchestra were missed from their accustomed places. Amongst these wore Mr F. Palairet, who for some time was secretary, and who had always taken a leading part in previous concerts with his viola, Mr H. Parker, who is well known as a splendid ’cello player, and Mr B. Barton, whose clarionet playing is uncommonly good. Two of these gentlemen have left the district, and the third is spending a holiday, but despite their absonce tho concert was a most successful one, and Mr Sidcbottom has reason to feel pleased with the progress the Society has mado since he took up the baton. Ths overture “ Morning, Noon and Night ” was a good number, and showed to advantage the strength of the orchestra as well as the power in tone effects, in fact this point characterised all tho orchestral items. The vocalists were Mrs A. F. Kennedy and Captain Whitoly. In the first part of the programme Mrs Kennedy sang “ Twickenham Ferry,” the orchestral accompaniment adding a special charm to the well-known old song. Mrs Kennedy’s sweet voice was heard to full advantage in this number, and she received a most enthusiastic encore. Captain Whitely, who has a very fino bass voice, sang “ Tho King’s Minstrel ” in a truly splendid manner. This gentleman is decidedly ah acquisition to Gisborne musical ciroles. Mr J. Chrisp, whose cornet playing io so well and favorably known, effectively rendered “ Les Rameaus,” the orthestra accompanying. This was a very beautiful item, the silvery notes of the cornet ringing out against the deeper notes of the other instruments, and the intricate solo parts were weii played. The *• Spauische l’anze ” by the orchestra was well received, and again showed the individual and collective talent of the members. A special feature of the concert was the piano quartett by four young ladies, Misses F. and E. Davies, Lewis and Larsen. “ Guillaume Tell ” was tho piece performed, and this received a brilliant rendering. Mr Sidebottom is to be congratulated on having such promising pupils. The first half of the programme concluded with another orchestral item, entitled 11 British Patrol.” This is a fine and popular piece of mubic, and was rendered in a stirring and faithful mannpr. It was certainly their best performance, and the mingling of air and harmony, combined with the many brilliant passages, sounded particularly , well and produced a fine effect. The overture to the second half of the programme was from the opera I Puritani,” the orchestra even eclipsing their former efforts.

Mrs Kennedy again delighted the audierice with her singing of "Let me dream again.” This was one of the gems of the evening. It is a sweet old song, and sung by Mrs Kennedy, with an orchestral accompaniment, was as sweet and musical an item as one would wish to hear.

“ The Bedouin Love Song ” was given by Captain Whitely, and his fine voice was heard to advantage. It was rendered with a fire and passion which were most effective.

A dainty, sparkling Allegro, “ Wedding Polonaise ” wa3 played by the orchestra, * and the concert concluded with Wagner’s famous “ Tanubauser ” March. The full power of the orchestra was put into this, and the stirring strains and marching movements were splendidly rendered. This ended a most successful concert, and the Society deserve many thanks for the musical treat they afforded the peopie f of Gisborne.

Mr J. Chrisp, who is hon. secretary, deserves special mention for the energetic way in which he worked and in a great measure the success of the concert was due to his efforts. The Society are fortunate in having the services of a gentleman so qualified for the position. Two fine pianos were supplied by Messrs Chrisp and Son for the occasion.