Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-05-12
THEFESTIyAL OPENS.
THE FIRST NIGHT or THE SERIES OF
CONCERTS AT THE MOZART.
A Splendid and varied Programme Mag
niHeentIy Rendered--A Grand Chorus
of Richmond Voices.

The initial performance of tho Musical
Festival was heard last night by an intcih-
gent and appreciative audience. whose ire
quept and judicious applause testified TO
the pleasure and qualification afforded by
On excellent concert Ii is pity, though.
that the size Of the audience, filing not
moro than half the seating capacity OF the
Mozart Academy hall, was not more IN
proportion with the merits Oft occasion.
which deserves a much more liberal
patronage than was received last night.
The attempt to iuaugurate musical tes-
tival that may be made ayearly recur-
ring event deserves support a. a means OF
encouraging aud developing musical taste
and talent in the community, TO say no.
thing of the benefit to be derived oy the
city at large IN business way from the
success of such an enterprise. In TINS iat-
ter aspect the experience of other cities,
where festivals have been made success
ful, shows that they are an attractive
means os drawing visitors and are worth
the outlay and expense attending them.
That. however, is only one reason Tor
urging q more liberal support and larger
attendance at the performances to-night
and tomorrow.
RICH AND GRATIFYING.
The programme last night was rich in
variety and gratifying in performance. en-
bracing asst did orchestral, choral, and SOLO
selections.
II is rare that Richmond audiences have
the opportunity to hear the work OF q real
ly good orchestra of forty or dirty perform
ers The Boston Festival Orchestra. under
the conduct of its able leader, Victor Her
bert, custains the reputation that mas long
made them one OF the recognized stand
bys of their native city. From the nrst
note of the Freischutz overture last
night 20 the close of varied per-
formance they deserved and sustained tho
interest of their audience. Without par
ticularizing further their delicate render
ing of charming little composition by
Gillet was as neat and exquisite renuer.
ing of delicious bit of waltz movemeEt
as has been heard for u long time IN TINS
town. The encore of it demanded by the
audience was natural and spontaneous
tribute TO its merit and beauty. The Grieg
Peer Gyntn suit was a grateful renewM
of pleasure given Richmond audience
by the Boston Symphony Orchestra
last year.
THE soLoIsTs.
The soloists, Mr.. Parker and Miss Stew
art. won their way into the admiration
and good graces of their hearers, AZ shown
by abundant applause. Last, out not
least, it is isregretted that this brief notice
cannot do Justice 10 what should be 10
Richmond the most interesting feature, OF
the concert. The Richmond Chorus, under
the conduct of their leader, Mr.. Clarence
Marshall. was a revelation of what may be
done by careful and iudicious work: The
encore demanded their single number on
the programme. The Sanctus from Gou-
mods Mass was not mere success destin'ee'
but a hearty tribute 10 intelligent work
well rendered by fine body OF singers;
The mass of tone was full and rich and
of quality that showed itself worth
not only the labor so Ear bestowed, but
promising richest results Us the. reward OF
such labor if continued in the future. IL
should be needless TO say that such a re-
suit is the most valuable outcome OF the
performances initiated by this festival,
and that tho building up of good choral
society would repay in many ways the labor
and expense attending. There should be
a fuller attendance tonight and to-mor-
row 10 yindicato Richmond's musical taste
and show that her people can appreciate
high musical talent.