Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-05-28
THE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
Auspicious Opening, Wednesday-The
symphony Concert and "Fair Ellen"

symphony Concert and "Fair Ellen.n
The musical festival under the auspices
of the Philharmonic society of this city
opened at the Howard Opera House, We'd
nesday night, under the most favorable au-
spices. In spite OF the disagreeable wealth
er, the body of the house was well filed,
and the audience was one of the most APP
preciative ever assembled at Il concert here.
The large chorus of more than 100 trained
voices occupied the platform and raised
seats, with the orchestra and piano in
front. The concert was by far the best
which has been given at the opening of
any musical festival in Burlington The
chorus singing was remarkably fine, snow
ing that Mr. Zerrhan, in the short time
that he has been here, has got his material
well in hand The effect of Mr. Blais-
also evident. The orchestra was the
largest that Mr.. Blaisdell has ever
brought here, and the symphony concert
which was chiefly composed of instru
mental selections, was of an excellence
which has seldom been equalled here.
The orchestra showed it's superior quality
particularly in Schubert's graceful over
ture" and in the Beethoven symphony
which was very finely done, the exquisite
andante being given with especial express
sion and effect. Mr.. StOCkbridge's viO-
| loncello solo was eXquisitely rendered
and was one of the gems of the evening
| The string quartette by Messrs. Blaisdell,
Everett, Straw and StOckbridge was the
most delicate and artistic number on the
programme The effects were exceedingly
fine and the execution faultless. The
Hungarian Dances were also beautifully
played. The ChOruses OF the symphony
concert were excellently sung, especially
the " Farewell'' with its sweet melody and
graceful movement. Miss WEIGH the
contralto of the festival made her appear
ance in Part FIRST, and sang very grace
fully and sympathetically Lassen's Chine
Eyes SO Blue" Miss Butcher also sang
with excellent effect Gerricke's song,
My Messenger
The symphony concert was followed by
Fair Ellen" which made such favor
able impression at the musical festival
last year. In this Miss Kehew and Mr..
Parker made their first appearance here
rs solOists-and both, we are pleased
to say, won the highest favor. Miss
kehew has remarkably pure, sweet and
strong soprano voice, under fine cultlva
ton. Her enunciatiOn is clear and dis
tlnCt, and her expression good. She Is
destined, we think, to become favorite
here. Mr. Parker is remarkably fine
| tenor. The sweetness and compass of hi,
voice are noticeable. Though the part
sung by him last evening is properly q
baritone part, and was taken by specia
request, Mr.. Parker sang it with excellent
| success. Both solOists acquitted them
selves throughout with the highest credit
The choruses were better sung than we
have ever heard them, here, and the or
chestral accompaniment was done to per
lection.
OF Mr.. Zerrahn as a conductor, it is suf
ficient to say that he is always Ierrahn
the prince of the baton, who never fails tC
inspire his chorus with the enthusiasm
and earnestness which are the secret OF
his power. Miss Macomber as accom-
PIANIST won decided laurels. Her admir-
able taste and fine musical sense especial
ly fit her for the position.