The Newtown bee., 1894-01-05
In Fairfield County.
STEPNEY,
THE NEW YEARS CONCERT.

The concert, Monday evening, January ], in the Methodist church, proved much more than was promised. The equal of it has never been heard here. Each and all were in the highest degree success, there being no point of weakness or even q suggestion of failure. It is difficult to speak of it W ithout endangering the sus- pcion of exageration. The surround ing country, as if under the spell of what was in store for them, came from every direction and filed the church. Miss Hawley, who has often taken promi- nent place in former concerts here, and always a great favorite, never sang more sweetly and expressively. The selec- tions were fine, and in the rendering dis closed a voice of the most careful cul- ture. The male quartet, consisting of Messrs Osburnes, Hull and Nichols, led by c. E.. Osborne, so sang "The Old Kentucky Home," that the audience were unwilling to have thGr give it up. A gem of the evening was the duet, 70 Morning Land,' sung by Miss Hyde and c. k. Osborne. The recitation of Miss Watson of Wellesley college, '95, was in admirable taste as to style and manner The trials of poor Samantha Allen, in this progres tive age, are truly great and they were vividlv depicted. Miss Rap ral, the plOcu, iouist, charmed the audi ence Her >elecJious, SO happily given, necessitatpd second editions at once. We certainly have had a great treat as to the possibilities of the violin Leslie Vaughan, as q skilled vioinist, proved himself master of his instrument in clearness, pureness and tone, precision of touch and graceful lowing. There was a constant reminder of the celebrat- ed masters, and we doubt if he ever played with better accOmpanist. The violin and piano were in perfect harmo- ny, even in the most delicate modula tions, both being in the hands of great artists. Miss Lillian Hyde, who was a roommate of Miss Moore at the New England conservatory, and highly hon. ered graduate, has for a number of years occupied a leading place in the musical societies of St Louis and now on her way to Augusta, Georgia's capitol, where she has the charge of the organ and directs the music in the largest church in that city. It is really gift to be both master of tbe organ and piano, but Miss Hyde, as performer upon these instruments and as an accompanist, not an easy task for good ones are ex- ceedingly rare, has but few equals. Her grace and brlliancy of execution is truly wonderful. Miss Moore, to whom we are indebted for this grand entertain ment, although really sick with the grip, at the concert nobly sustained her repu- tation as a most skilled pianist, both in her selection, "The Fairy Tale," and in the classic duet with Miss Hyde. The ladies' aid society, who receive the mar gins of these entertainments, may feel proud of the quality of this, the first one of the new year. The progra m:
 Overture, "williara Tell," Rossini
 Misses Hyde and Moore.
 "only To-Night,"
 Miss Jessie Hawley.
 Reading, "Leadville sim,"
 Miss Maude Kapral.
 Fairy Tale, Bendel
 Miss Moore.
 Recitation, "samantha, Josiah's Wife,"
 Miss Watson.
 a-Gayotte. Bohm b-Knvawiak Wienawsk
 Mir Leslie Vaughan.
 Male Quartet, "old Kentucky Home,"
 Messrs Osborne, Osborne, Hull, Nichols. a-Imprompfu, Schubert b-Polish Dance, Scharwenka
 Miss Lillian Hyde.
 zone Spring Morning." Nevin
 Miss Jessie Hawley.
 Reading, Selected
 Miss Maud Kapral.
 70 Morning Land," Phelps
 Miss Hyde, MT c. E. Osborne. Fantasia, "scene de Ballet" DeBeriot
 Mir Vaughan.
 Grand Fantaise. 'Il Trovatore,' Verdi
 Misses Hyde and Moore.