The Sun.
London, England, 1861-02-07 00:00:00

NATIONAL C2ORAL SOCIETY.

Last evening, at Exeter Hall, a concert was given by
this society for the bendit of the distressed weavers of
Coventry. It is most safsfactory to announce that the
immediate object was atained, and that the hall was
crowded. All persons at all kindly disposed must sym-
pathise with the cause whbh prompted the performance,
and rejoice in the success o! its noble purpose. The enter-
tainment was very creditaile to all concerned in it. Mr.
G. Martin is entitled to great praise for the manner in
which he conducted the oratorio, and for the high efficiency
to which the chorus has attained under his management.
The " Messiah" possesses the most splendid choruses of
any oratorio. There is tle matchless and magnificent
" Hallelujah, for the Lmd God omnipotent reigneth,"
which, in grandness of abet, has not its equal in the
range of sacred subjects. " Unto us a child is born," is
another very beautiful chorus, and both these were very
ably rendered last night. The solo singers acquitted
themselves admirably in their several departments. Mr.
Lewis Thomas has made Considerable progress lately,
and may now be considered one of our best sacred singers.
He was very successful in the splendid solo, " Why do the
Heathen so furiously rage tcgether ;" this was the greatest
success of the evening in the way of solo performance.
Mrs. Lockey executed the beautiful airs allotted to the con-
tralto with taste and expression. "He was Despised," in
particular, was one of her best executions. The emphatic
manner in which she renders this beautiful air is well
known, and on the present occasion she did not
fail in her accustomed excellence. Madame Lem-
mens Sherrington's fine voice was displayed to great
advantage in the soprano airs. Mr. Perren took the tenor
part, and acquitted himself in a satisfactory manner, but he
has not sufficient decision. This society may be congra •
tulated on the success that it achieved, and the favourable
reception accorded to its performances last night is a proof
that the public in general appreciate its efforts. The result
was in every way satisfactory to all engaged in it, and
"The Messiah" has seldom been better performed in its
entirety than by the "National Choral Society."

His Excellency the Belgian Minister and Madame
Van de Weyer and family arrived in Portland-place, on
Tuesday evening, from New Lodge, Windsor Forest, for
the season.

The Marchioness de Chateaurenard was safely
delivered of twins (daughters) on Tuesday evening, at her
residence in Wilton crescent. Her ladyship and infants
are progressing favourably.

The Earl and Countess of Chesterfield and Lady
Evelyn Stanhope arrived at their residence in Grosvenor-
square on Tuesday, from Bretby Hall, Derbyshire.
The Earl and Countess of Cork have arrived at
their residence in Grafton-street, from Marston House,
Somersetahire, for the season.
The Earl and Countess Stanhope have arrived at
their residence in Grosvenor-place, from Chevening, Kent.
Sir Benjamin Brodie and Lady Brodie have
arrived at the Queen's Hotel, Upper Norwood.

Colonel Myddelton Biddulph has arrived at the
St. George's Hotel.
Major Weyland has arrived at the St. George's
Hotel.

Yesterday the marriage of Mr. E. H. Finch, son
of Mr. George and Lady Louisa Finch, with Miss Balfour,
eldest daughter of Mr. and Lady Georgiana Balfour, was
solemnised at St. Peter's Church, Eaton-square.
BRADFORD.—The Liberal party here is still far
from being at one about the choice of a candidate to succeed
Mr. Salt as member of Parliament. It is pretty certain
now that Mr. Edward Miall will not offer himself. Mr.
John Priestman has consented to be put in nomination
against Mr. -W. E. Forster.
THE QUEEN OF NAPLES.—A letter from Munich
states that the Queen of Naples has just written to her
parents to pray them not to feel any anxiety on her ac-
count, as her health is as good as could possibly be under
the circumstances in which she is placed. The Queen adds
that by the bursting of a shell in the palace in which she
resides she had been struck in the face by somo pieces of
glass.

The Press of Vienna, of the Ist, states that the
subscription to the new loan is closed, and that it is almost
certain that the proposed amount of 30,000,000 of florins
has been more than covered.