The weekly intelligencer., 1894-06-02
ANNUAL CONCERT
or the Musical and Evolutionary De-
partments Of Il. +. G.

vi tHc MuSlcdi anu ElOcuIlendTy DC
partments Of B. +. G..
A more cultured and attentive audience
perhaps never assembled in Lexington
than the one that greeted the pupils of
the music and clocution classes of b. F. |
c. at the opera house on Wednesday |
evening.
The occasion was the annual recital of
the pupils of these two departments. The |
program had been carefully arranged,
and its happy rendition made this enter
tainment AN Intellectual feast of high |
order.
The vocal department OF Ii. +. G. Is /
under the charge Of Miss Berta Richard
son, who has long since established
reputation in music circles as a superior
vocalist and a fine Instructor. The con-
trbutions OF her class to the entertain
mont on Wednesday evening confirmed |
this statement.
Prof. Raphael Rooster, the musical
director of the college, is a Peruvian by
birth, having been born at Lima, the
capital of that South American country,
in 1853. He left his native country at an
early age, and, with his parents, went to
Hamburg, Germany, where he received
German school education. His musical
education began at the age of seven. At
the age of fifteen he was compelled to
enter the mercantile business, in which
he remained until he was IS years of
age, when he entered with enthusiasm
upon his musical profession. lie went to
that great European musical center, Ber-
lin, and after studying few years ut the
Royal Conservatory of Music, he contin-
ued for a number Of years his musical
studies with some Of the finest artists in
Berlin. In 1888, Mr.. Koester became
acquainted with some American musicians
who induced him to come to the land of
liberty and progress. He settled first in
Toledo, Ohio, forming at once n large
class Of pupils, and taking part in many
concerts with great success. Alter four
years of faithful work in Toledo, he moved
to Springfield, Ohio, establishing in that
city q school Of music. Many fiatter ing
press notices testify TO his highly sue
cessful work In that city. Prof. Koester
being connected as a correspondent with
several important musical journals. had
gained by this time national reputation,
and received and accepted fiattering
offer to all the position of musical director
at Garvard College, one OF the best known
| female schools in old Kentucky. After
occupying this place for three years, he
came to the Baptist Female College. and
his growing popularity here testifies to
his success. Prof. Rooster has been re-
engaged for next year, and we are glad
to learn that q musician of such sterling
qualities will remain with US. Thus we
have given q few prominent points in the
history of this artist, who deservedl ly
ranks high In his chosen profession.
As an instructor he is faithful and
capable, and his Encouragement will BEN
eft the college very much.
The entertainment of Wednesday even
ing. which was largely under the super
vision Of Mr.. Koester, began with a song,
Rose Waltz. by the vocal class, consisting
of twenty five voices, which blended in
perfect harmony.
This was followed by a piano duet,
Don Juan Fantasia, executed skiIlfully
by Misses Myrtle Boren aud Alba New
man. This number received applause
from the entire audience, but the young
ladies' could not be persuaded to app ear
In an encore.
Miss Bonnie Burrows, that pleasing
elocutionist, who has SO often delighted
Lexington audiences with her happy
renditions, recited The Gypsy Flower
Girl. She appeared In an Egypt cos
tune, appropriate to the selection, and
when sheleft the stage storm Of applause
followed her.
The vocal solo, For the Sake OF the
Past, by Miss Bessie Wallace, was very
entertaining. Miss Wallace is one of our
home girls. and Lexington is justly proud
of her accomplishments in this line. She
demonstrated rare musical ability in her
solo.
| We beg pardon for pronouncing the
violin solo OF Master Howard Payne the
banner number on the program. Not
that he Is finer artist than others who
appeared, but because of his youth, and,
for one OF his years, his dexterity and
accuracy In handling the instrument. lie
is Indeed a prodigy, and with proper
training helbids fair to rival Remenyi
and other great artists. He was loudly
encored, Wednesday evening, and ac-
knowledged his appreciation OF the
generous applause by rendering another
selection.
After the storm of applause had died
away, Miss Allene Ware recited The Lady
of Shalott, one OF the masterpieces OF
Tennyson. She has remarkable control
OF her vocal powers, and changes from
pathos to the ridiculous with ease and
celebrity.
Miss Veda Cunningham followed with
q plano solo, Concerto Op. H-Schumann.
She was one OF the b. +. c. graduates,
and, Judging from her selection on this
occasion, we may add that the college
should feel proud of such pupils. She has
complete control Of the piano, and fingers
very gracefully.
The vocal duet OF Misses lands ard
Smith was appreciated by the audience.
With q terrific encore they endeavored to
get them to return, but in vain.
One Of the finest selections We have
ever seen produced was Mary Stuart,
Act Ill, Scene 4, by Misses Ware and
Burrows. The former acted the part OF
Mary Stuart. and the latter of Queen
Elizabeth. Both parts were executed to
perfection. Miss Ware made Mary's plea
for freedom in deep pathos and true sim
cerity, while the contempt of Elizabeth,
in refusing the request Of Mary, was por-
trayed faultlessly by Miss Burrows.
This was followed by the piano solo OF
Miss Myrtle Boreu, which was well
received. 1t was admirably rendered.
A selection was rendered by Miss
Mayme Sydnor, Shadow SOng-Meyer-
beer. Though this Is by far the most
difficult class Of music, and but few artists
attempt it, Miss Sydnor won laurels
while singing it, and retired amidst gen.
erous applause. Her voice, though not
strong, Is clear and sweet, and in giving
her a diploma the standard OF B. f. c. is
not lowered in the least. Her vocal ac-
complishments merit the highest
encomium.
With q piano quartet by Misses Bur-
rows, Brown, Payne and Newman, the
program was at an end.
The entertainment. all in all, was a
magnificent affair. and to the faculty of
, these departments we extend congratu-
lations upon the talent displayed.
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