The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-01-06

CHRISTMAS SoIREE AT THE VIRGINIA
FEMALE INSTITUTE.-In the season OF bril-
liant Soirces Which has just passed, when the
old years departure was celebrated at the diff
ferent Female Colleges, by those charming en-.
tainments which girdits closing hours with pleas
ant memories, and as II to compensate for all
the ills it brought, bids us farewell amid the
scenes OF rich enjoyment that half blots out
the sterner lessons taught, the treat OF Thurs
day night, at the V. F. T., will be long remem-
bered.
From the opening overture to the last piece
on the programme, the music furnished ample
evidence of talent well developed, under the
teaching Of scholar in the profession, and was
worthy of even the reputation OF one so accom-
plislled as Prot. Richard, who, as composer
and instructor, merits the highest conlmenda-
ton, and among musical adults is regarded as
a leader. The .March Triumphale,'' one OF
Prof. RS compositions, was most exccllently
rendered by Misses j. L. Gordon, e. Rob
erts, B. Roberts and N. Oldham, and met with
hearty reception from the audience, as did also
the other parts of the programme.
The only solo of the evening was Robert,
Robert by Miss B. Farrar, whose clear, sweet
voice was well adapt to the charming song,
and did it more than justice. An organ volun-
tary. by Prot. Richard, was executed with that
faultessness which might be expected from at
tainments so mastery, and was greatly APP
preciated.
Intervening the music were readings by
Misses J. j. Younge, Lizzie Day and J. +.
Gordon, all of whom, especially the latter, ac-
Quilted themselves most handsomely. One OF
the many admirable features of the school, is
the particular attention paid to elocution. In
our opinion, there is no accomplishment more
useful, more rare, and at the same time deslra-
BILE and entertaining than this, and Mr.. Phillips
has been wise in securing the services OF one SO
thorough and competent as Prof. Scharf.-
Even among distinguished graduates, real
" good reader is seldom met, and Jet when
such is the case her talent never fails to furnish
amusement and entertainment for her audience,
no matter of whom it is composed.
During the evening Prof. Scharf read several
scenes from Sheridan's Rivals and had each
separate character been impersonated by diff
ferent party, the presentation could scarcely
have been more lifelike. The 1uttering, fussv,
old Sir Anthony, fretted and stormed around
as il the world had entered into grand con-
spiracy to thwart his power and disregard his
authority, while the icy nanehatqnce OF Jack
| was rendered no less true to nature. Miss Nal
aprop, in her struggle with her own vocabula-
nv, convulsed the audience, and the other
characters of Lydia, Fag and Acres, were given
with surprising likeness to what we imagine
was before the authors minds eye. when the
play was written. Ofcourse the reader met with
perfect storm of applause, and was forced to
give another scene from the same drama
There are few professionals who surpass
Prof. Scharf in elocution, and the exhibitions
given by his pupils attest his success as teacll'
! err.
| Although the Soiree was well up to the high
standard established by the previous entertain
ments OF this school, we miss one feature
that never failed to afford infinite amusement
and pleasure to the audience. The "Organ" OF
the Institute, 'srhc Soiree," we are sorry to
say, has suspended, but why, we are not adj
yised. Like most Of the good things OF this
world, it passed away too soon.
On next Friday night an exhibition OF the
pupils proficiency in modern languages, will
be given, which promises no little enjoyment te
those who may attend.
-< - >----