The Sun.
London, England, 1854-03-03 00:00:00

ST. MARTIN'S BALL.

Last evening a concert was given at the above hall
for the benefit of the Governesses' Benevolent Institu-
tion, the Royal Society of Female Musicians, and
Choral Fund.

A new oratorio, entitled " Immanuel," written by
Mr. Henry Leslie, an amateur of considerable cele-
brity, was performed fer the first time on this occasion ;
the principal vocalists being Miss Dolby, Mrs. Ender-
sohnn, Miss Amy Dolby, Mr. Lockey, and Mr. Weiss.
The conductor, Mr. Benedict. The production of a
new oratorio, which shall not only avoid condemnation,
but achieve decided success on its first representation
before a critical London audience of the highest caste,
is no ordinary achievement in the life of any musical
composer. This achievement must be conceded to Mr.
Leslie. The whole production is most honourable to
its author.

The performance was in every respect satisfactory.
Miss Dolby is entitled to the highest praise. She ac-
quitted herself of her onerous duties with an amount of
truly poetical feeling and artistic skill which left nothing
to be desired. Her sister, Miss Amy also executed her
part, no light one, in the various concerted pieces cor-
rectly and tastefully. Mrs. Endersohn gave a very sat-
isfactory version of the frequently difficult first soprano
part, whilst great justice was done to the principal tenor
and bass music by Messrs. Lockey and Weiss.
A tribute is due to Mr. Benedict, who conducted the
whole performance in a most masterly manner. At the
termination of the oratorio, Mr. Henry Leslie was called
for and enthusiastically cheered. The hall was well
attended.

The Duke of Devonshire arrived in town yesterday,
from his splendid marine villa at Kemp Town.
The Earl and Countess Bruce have been entertain.
ing company at Severnake Lodge during the past week.
STAR CUM.—The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, his
Excellency the American Minister, Admiral Sir Geo.
Sartorius, Mr. Gardner, M.P., r. Jackson, M.P.,
Mr. John MacGregor, M.P., and several other mem-
bers have intimated their intention of being present
at the next meeting appointed for Wednesday, Bth
March, at Fenton's Hotel.
_ _

We understand there are many attractive novelties in
preparation for Mr. Packer's bal costume at the Casino
de Venise, which will take place at the close of this
month. Report speaks favourably of the Isolabella
Quadrille and the Doneraile Waltz, by the composer of
the Seymour Polka.
MB. THOMAS WILLIAMS' LECTURES ON VOCAL MUSIC.
—HACKNEY LITERARY AND SCIENTLIIO INSTITUTION.—
On Wednesday evening last Mr. Thomas Williams de-
livered his popular lecture on '' English Music and
English Musicians" at the above institution, on which
occasion he was assisted in the vocal illustrations by
Miss B. Williams and Miss Clara Duval, Mr. F.
Osborne Williams presiding at the pianoforte. The
musical portion of the entertainment was well
selected and effectively performed ; the encores were
numerous, and the lecture itself, which consisted of
a very agreeable combination of judicious criticism and
pleasing anecdote, afforded the greatest amusement to a
crowded and highly respectable audience.
ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY.—On Wednesday last Colonel
W. B. Sykes, H. E. I. C. S., was elected Lord Rector
of the University of Aberdeen for the current year.
Colonel Sykes has commended himself to the favourable
notice r,f tho. University by placing at the diapoal of the
seiatois an appointment iu the medical department of
the East India Company's Service which is under his
patronage.