Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1898-07-20
FESTIVAL CHORUS CONCERT.
A Crowded House and a Successful
Performance.

the Maine music festival, may fairly
be called an unqualified successful this
in spite OF the fact that the venture was
something entirely new for Ellsworth in
our day.
generation ago what were known as
musical festivals were held annually
The late George F. Root came here,
organized chorus, rehearsed afternoons
and evenings TOR week in Writings
hall, and wound up Saturday evening
with concert. But for at least thirty
years no such chorus as the present one
has ever sung in Elsworth; no such
music has ever been attempted.
The Ellsworth chorus was organized
last fall; it has sixty-two members,
sopranos largely predomnating. The
first rehearsal was held at Manning hall
on December s, 1897. The music is that
to be sung at the Maine music festivals in
Bangor and Portland next October. 1t
consists of selections from the oratorio
Messiah, and other sacred music,
operas, part songs and Mendelssohn's
oratorio elijah" entire. The latter is by
all odds t g most pretentious music ever
attempted in Ellsworth.
The voices we're for the most part I'M
trained, especially so in music of this
character; the conductor was entirely
new to the work. Yet with courage born
Of ignorance Of the task it was undertake
ing, the chorus set to work. 1t has held
thirty-two regular rehearsals; it has met
with many disbursements, but it
stuck heroically to the task it had set for
itself. Twice during the season it has
been strengthened and inspired by the
conducting Of Prof. Chapman, and to his
fortunate presence and magnetism on the
evening OF the concert is largely due the
success OF the event.
Owing to lack OF men in the chorus
membership, it was necessary to strength
EN- the parts from other choruses, and
with volunteers from our own town. To
these gentlemen the thanks of The chorus
are due for their able assistance. And not
to these alone but also to the Apollo quar-
tette, of Bangor, to Miss Monagh han, and
especially to Miss Mae Silsby, Bangor's
accomplished pianist, who played the ac
compartments throughout, are thanks
also due.
1t is not necessary, nor would it be fair,
to subject this concert to the sharp pen OF
the critique. 1t was wholly an amateur
performance; as amateurs they did the
best they could; according to all reports
they pleased crowded house to an I'M
usual degree, and they clearly demon
strated their capacity for learning and
executing nlpn-ClasS music.
Two of the numbers, "Departuren and
"Thanks be to God", were conducted by
Prof. Chapman. He was greeted on his
appearance after a brief Introduction by
Mr.. Hunt, with vociferous applause by
both the audience and chorus. The
chorus instantly responded to the mag
netism of his presence, and sang with
such vlgor and expression as to astonish
themselves. The climax OF the concert
was the singing Of that splendid chorus
that closes part one of the "Elijah". The
rendition of this chorus reused the au-
dience to the highest pitch of enthusi
asm, and repetition was called for; it
was sung the second time even better
than the first.
Miss Monaghan's appearance brought
forth round of applause. Her solo was
the gem OF the evening. Competent
judges said that she never sang more
beautifully. Since her appearance here
last .all she has distinctly gained in
power, range and expression, and more
firmly than ever are her friends con-
WINGED that sh has in store a most brill
liant future. For an encore she sang a
sweet lullaby song.
The trio by Mr.. and Mrs. Webster and
Mr.. Warehouse was generously applaud
ed. Mrs. Webster is the leader Of the
Oldtown festival chorus. Her voice is
soprano; the part she sang is for an alto.
The young lady booked for the part was
unable, owing to illness, to be present,
and Mrs. Webster kindly consented to
sing in her stead.
Another gem was the trio "Lift thine
and Mrs. Cunningham. 1t is charming
music and was charmingly rendered.
The Apollos sang well, as they always
do.
The soloists, Messrs. Morton, Moody,
Roberts and Warehouse, all sustained
their parts well, and, together with
Messrs. Webster and Silsby and the
Apollos, did valiant service in the
choruses.
Following was the programme:
l-And the Glory of the Lord (from the
"Messiah) ..Mendelssohn
e-The North Wind. .. .Gretty
Apollos.
s-Departure (part s @s9an:
4-Aria-Regnava mel SlenZio.. .DoniZetti
From Lucia di Lammermoor)
Miss Monaghan.
The Lost Chord... ...Sulivan
Part song for women's voices.
6-Seection.
Apollos.
Three Glasse3....:. $500. ....flscher
Part song for mems voices.
s-Giye me Cun. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Bishop
MIR. and Mrs Webster and Mr.. Warehouse.
9-When Dayight's Going. ..........:.. Bellini
Chorus.
PART II.
(First live numbers from Memberships ora
torio "Eliah")
la If with all your hearts,
MIR. Morton.
b Yet doth the Lord.
Chorus.
2-The "Baal" choruses.
Rccitatives by Mr.. Roberts.
Aria by Mr.. Warehouse.
Quartette by Miss Monaghan, Mrs Gun
bingham, Messrs. Webster and Water
house.
3-a REQ Lord, Thou hast overthrow.
b Aria-Look down on US.
MIR. Moody.
open the heavens.
Chorus.
4-Lift thine eyes.
Misses Monaghan and Hopkins ana Mrs Cum
nngham.
j-Thanks be to God.
Chorus.
6 America.
Chorus and audience.
NOTES.