The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-23
.'0PENING OF THE
MAY FESTIVAL.
she First Concert Pleased a Large
Audience.
LOUD CHEERS FOR OLD GLORY,
The National Flag in the Hands OF
Fair American Women Brings Out
Some Patriotic Demonstration.
Good Programme Rendered
LOUD CHEERS FOR OLD GLORY,

star Spanglod Banner" as. the closing
number Of the concert at the Academy
last night the audience rose and Stood
first half dozen on the north side OF the
horse. then few on the opposite side
Followed by small groups here and there
throughout the audience. ana finally all
were on their feet. The young ladies' in
Tho chorus each held a small United
States flag in her hand. and this was
waved gently back and forth as the words
Long may it wave
O'er the land Of the free
AM the home OF the brave
sesouuded through the house. a big ma
tional flag was passed along the line OF
1air singers. and at the close OF stan
"a cheers were joined In vigorously
There was not a great Outburst OF enlhu-
siasm. but simply a general demonStra-
ZION OF approval al the sight OF the ma
tional flag This demonstration was lea
bv four or five gentlemen who occupied
seats on the north side OF the house. II
was reported that the singing OF national
airs and a display of the national colors
would bring out the greatest enthusiasm
and demonstration Of patriotism. rms
was not the case. The attitude OF the
audience on the SpanIsh-American trouble
and tho feeling as TO the impending crisis
appeared TO be fairly well reflected in the
size and character Of the demonstration
made. This was favorable TO the flag
and appreciative Of the sentiment hover
ing about THE star Spangled Banner as
an air associated with ones love for his
native land. The absence Of enthusiasm
over a war 10 be carried on by Ameri-
cans i'm Cuba. which has been growing
rapidly more conspicuous in this city of
late probably accounted for the lack OF
unity In the demonstration. as well as the
fact that u was not one OF those thrill
ing. sudden, impulsive outbursts that
springs from the bare suggestion OF
great national movement in which the
peoples hearts are enlisted.
FINE CHORUS WORK.
But to the concert. 1t was tine first OF
the series ia the Fifth May Music Festi-
Val OF That now well known and merito-
rious Organization. the Wednesday club.
under the efficient direction Of Mr.. Arthur
Scrivenor. For long time this orgdni-
cation has been Faithfully studying and
Tehearsing. Their efforts last night weFe
an Illustration OF what musical apprecia-
ticn, taste and desire TO improve can
accomplish.
The Wednesday Club was assisted by
the Philharmonic Association. This was
its first appearance in concert. end IL
made a fine impression upon the audience.
and showed that it has made much pro-
gress in its work.
The chorus work of the club last nigh.
was OF high character While there
were not many opportunities for the
strength OF the chorus to be brought out
10 its full capacity, their careful train
ing could be readily seen throughout. they
Gang together with remarkable precision
and their expression and phrasing we're
etrikingly effective. In sucn a work as
swan and Skylark a chorus as large
as that OF the Wednesday Club and It's
assistants scarcely does the Dest work OF
(which IT is capable.
Some OF the parts are light. and call
for other qualities than strength or vol
ume There is. however many oppor-
tunities to profit from careful STUDY and
unity OF efforts. This was brought out
noticeably in several parts. and appealed
10 delicate appreciation Of refined and
well-directed chorus effort
THE ORCHESTRA.
The Boston Festival Orchestra. con-
Quoted by Mr.. Emil Mollenhauer render
ed able assistance. and did much towards
ed 10 be This orchestra was here a year
ago. and made fine impression among
musical people Of Richmond. Mr. MOllen-
hauer is "A thoroughly capable and finish
cd musician. lie IS a student as well.
and int result OF his work in the field Of
music is clearly brought out in the easy,
delicate qualities often noticeable in the
orchestra effect. His two principal num-
bers were handled in a thoroughly artis-
a-.lrNI stHuN A tFnn wa Z
a holiness. a dash. an originality that
were little short of fascinating. Then
came sweet. gentle soothing melodies
that touch responsive chords in those
who really feel music.
THE soLOIsTs.
The so6-sts were Miss Flora Provan.
Miss Rose stewart. Miss Jennie Mae
Spencer, MI William II. Riger. Signor
de Puentc, and Mr.. William Rowland
The later sang the introduction with
bass solo. a Grecian Poet /" with
strength ana much taste. His voice was
al times rich and appealing.
Then came The tenor solo, summer!
summer" wnicn was gwen by Mr..
Riger in an exquisite style. Mr. Riser
mas been heard here before. lie has a
remarkably sweet voice, well controlled,
and possessed Of an unusually WIDE
range.
Thus Flowed the Death Chant On"
alto solo with chorus, was rendered by
Miss Spencer IN an impressive and pleas
ing way. and Thee Summer is Come,
with solos for soprano. tenor and bari
tone was handsomely done by Miss Pro-
van md Messrs. Rieger and Rowland
Part H. was as follows.
Overture. "Gwcndoline,' Chabrler or
chsstrs
Aria. "Eri Tu." Ballo Mascher. Verdi
sig G. Del Puente.
Aria I'll Masandiere." Verdi, Mr. Will
liam H. Rieger
Entire Acte THE Kings Children"
Humperdinck. orchestra.
Shadow Song from "Dnorah' Myer-
beer. Miss Stewart.
Male Chorus. what Care How Fair
She Be?" Blumenthal. Philharmonic As
ISOLATION.
Quarlctte from Martha" Flotow. Miss
Stewart Miss Spencer, Mr.. Rieger Sig.
Del Puente
Hallelujah Chorus. Mount OF olives"
Beethoven. Wednesday Club and orches-
ira.
Each Of the soloists was Z reed 10 re-
spend 20 an encore and Mr. Rieger re-
ceived almost an ovation
. THIS AFTERNOONS PROGRAMME.
The programme for this afternoon viii
lie ns follows:
Overture. "Migno." Thomas. orches-
ira
children's Chorus "The Morning Invi-
tation." Vcazie.
Harp Solo. "Romanza." Fenois Mr..
Rogers.
eope ssp.trta o, Nso.t.t .ss,. c.o,eo-