Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-01-26
Musical Convention.

The Fifth Annual Convention OF the Central
Vermont Musical Association, under the direc
ton Of Col II. d. HoPKINs Of this place, CON
cluded its session at Washington Hall on Friday
evening last This Convention, from its very
commencement, was success. Prominent among
the causes Of this success was the large number
in attendance, and the manifest intention Of near
~ all present to attend to the legitimate business
Of the Convention, and the apparent desire On the
part of all TO improve the occasion as much as
possible We saw little or no hanging back on
the part Of any one, which of course resulted in
having large and effective chorus Another
reason was the entire harmony and good feeling
which apparently existed between all the sing
ers. Singers as class have the reputation Of
icing particularly sensitive, especially in musi-
cal matters. We saw and could discover no trace
of this feeling on the part of any Of the singers,
throughout the entire Convention. And the last
but Of course the greatest cause Of its success,
was the entire confidence which was felt by each
and every member Of the Convention in the abili-
ty and competence of Col. Hopkins to conduct its
proceedings, confidence in which we are glad to
say none were disappointed. We have heard
nought but praise of the manner in which he
performed his difficult part in conducting so large
chorus, and of the excellent programme which
he provided for the Concerts.
Ul the singers present we can mention but a
few Mrs. OLIVER of course comes first, and we
confess we can hardly find words to express our
unqualified admiration Of her singing. With a
willingness and readiness to sing whenever re-
quested with voice peculiarly pure and sweet
yet strong enough to fill the hall completely, and
especially with her distinct enunciation and truth
full and accurate rendering of the sentiment Of
whatever she sang, she has made an impression
upon our lovers Of good singing, which, we trust
she will not suffer to become eilaced before WI
shall be permitted to see her here again. W.
know we can promise her a cordial reception a
the hands Of our people at any time,
Miss HoLYoKE, too, has peculiarly fine voice
and one which needs cultivation but for one oh
ject, and that to strengthen it that she can FL
a large hall. We do not think its sloeetHess coul,
? be improved
The popular singing of Mr.. A. j. PHILLPs an'
Mr.. b. d. IorKISs was thoroughly enjoyed b.
all present indeed we think we have never hear,
them sing better than during this Convention.
would not perhaps be true to say that they ha
won hosts of admirers by their singing In tn
case Of either all they need to expect to do with
Montpelier audience is to keep what admrer
they already had, this we think they clearly did
and that number comprises about all our citizen
whose musical opinion is good for much.
The Pianists, Messrs. WHITNEY, BIssELL an
EDDY, are certainly entitled to a great deal {
credit for the grace and ability with which the
> presided over the piano during the Convention
To their efforts much of the success of the Cor
yention may be attributed.
The Concert Of Friday evening wasaft conclI
sion to so good Convention. The Hall was we
, filled. The programme affordedan entertainer
which in the variety and excellence Of the mus
, we have never seen equaled in the State, an
all the musicians, the singers as well as the piar
lists, seemed animated with but one desire an
> that 10 do their best II was rare musical trei
y and one thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
The piano forte, which was one of Chickering
! Grand land which We may state here was kind
furnished free of expense by the manufacture
! was superb instrument, and gave complete sati
faction TO all.
We are also pleased to learn that the Conye
ton, in pecuniary point of view, was much mo
! satisfactory than any previous one; and TIL
a many of the financial difficulties under which Il
!, Society has labored, are removed by the success
this session.
The officers of the Association for the ensuir
year are as follows
: Presidenf.-G. ii. Crane Of Mortified.
- Secretary and Treasurr.-N. X. Brown
"A Montpelier.
:. Executive Commihee.---N. l.. Phillips of Barr
p. p. Pitkin of Montpelier b. +. Skinner
Waterbury S. W. Jones of Mortified NJ
hs Kinson of Montpelier.