The China Mail, 1895-11-25

The China Mail, 1895-11-25

The Philharmonic Society gave its first concert on Saturday night, in the City Hall Theatre, before a fairly large audience. With a good programme, and an efficient orchestra, a most enjoyable musical evening resulted. In connection with the instrumentation, a special word of praise in due to the stringed instruments. The vocal items were varied and pleasing. Mrs Hagen sang 'Love's Herald,' which was followed by Ladie's part song 'The Dawn of Day.' Miss Lammert and Dr Meadows then gave a creditable rendering of Rubinstein's duet 'The Angel - the Wanderer.' Chopin's Polonaise (in A) was brilliantly played by Miss Bitohing, whose mastery over the piano was also a material aid in the concerted pieces. Dr Meadows, to whom fell the last item of the first part, sang the solo from 'Esmeralda' (What would I do for my Queen), with his usual acknowledged taste. Miss Lammert's rendering of 'The Promises of Life' was encored; and Mr J Gilchrist, who presence a pleasing voice, sang with acceptence 'I Fear no foe.' The singing of the part songs - 'Cradle Song' and 'Good-night, thou glorious Sun' - was well balanced, and these items were well received. Dr Meadows and chorus of male voices sang with good effect the cavalier song, 'Boot, saddle, to horse' and 'Marching Along,' the tenors, we thought, showing most power. It was pleasant to find in Mr Alsberg a violin soloist of such promise. Hongkong has been particularly fortunate in this respect, and it is a good thing the succession of ??? ?? to be continued. The orchestra played three selections - 'Zampa,' Overture of 'Last Judgement,' and the Symphony from the same work. It is creditable to Mr G. P. Lammert (the conductor) and to the orchestra that those efforts weremost successful, and showed much careful practice. Messr. G. P. Lammert and George Grimble were the accompanists during the concert. We are glad to state that, although the audience was not as large as the concert deserved, the Committee have been able to pay the expenses of the entertainment out of the proceeds.