Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-05-16
is GRAND SUCCESS
First Concert of the Rock Island
Choral Union at
Theatre.
SURPRISE FOR THE PUBLIC
Chorus of Fine Voices Heard Ova-
ton for Leader and
Performers.

IeOplc VINO naue up lne large au-
dioncc at, the Illinois theatre last
evening left for their homes pos
sessed with a comingled feeling Of
pride, pleasure and surprise. for they
had been entertained beyond their
expectations in the initial concert of
the Rock Island Choral union, an or
ganization launched Il few months
ago for the promotion, of better
music.
This remark, made by lady after
the performance. was about the way
everybody felt: Wasn't it grand?
Really, ! never knew Rock Island had
SO many good singers
There were 100 voices in the chorus.
while there were - men in the or
chestra. both conducted by Prof. c.
f. ToennigeS. to whom most of the
credit for the excellent work thus far
done by the union is due. Taking the
performance of last evening as a cri-
terion, and keeping in mind the fact
that the chorus has been formed but
n few months, great things may be
looked for in future from this excel
lent organization. The material is
there and its development should be
encouraged by the people through
patronage of the concerts. for which
membership tickets can be secured at
any time.
Leader and Performers Warmly Greeted
Prof. Toenniges was given an ova-
ton. the audience thus expressing its
appreciation of his efforts in securing
such splendid results i'm so short time.
while the chorus numbers were en-
Enthusiastically received, as were the
selections OF w. {. +. Seeboecll, plan
list. and Miss Harriet Chopper. So
prano. the SoloiStS of the occaSi ion.
As for Mr.. Seeboeck. he is a recog-
nized master of the piano. and little
can be said of his performance be-
yond that il was exquisite, his selec-
tionS from Pabst. Westerhout. Aillan.
Chopin. Rachmaniotf and Sinding,
from the gay to the sublime. being eN-
ecuted with sympathetic delicacy
that charmed his audience. Miss
Chopper is Il Rock Island girl who is
studying i'm Chicago. and that her
voice has improved wonderfully those
who had opportunity to contrast her
singing of last evening with that Of
her earlier efforts readily acknowl-
edge. She has meludious soprano,
fine range for one of her years. and
sings without any apparent effort.
Last evening she took the solo part
in the chorus. THE Choosing of the
Queen" and at the conclusion of the
number admirers presented her two
beautiful bouquets.
The chorus selections were "The
Star Spangled Banner" Mendels-
sohn's Farewell to the Forest
Schumann's Gypsy Life" in which
solo parts were sung by Miss Me
Crory. Miss Grotian. Mrs. Ullemeyer.
Messrs Philbrook. Maui and johnson.
and Macfarren's cantata, May Day"
opening with the Choosing of the
Queen and ending with THE Revels."
Two incidental selections that were
artistically rendered by the orchestra
were Schubert's symphony in h minor
and three dances to Henry VIII from
the German.
The officers of the choral union
are: s. Edwards. president; George
II. Sheldon. Mrs. G. w. Cash. vice pres
idents: Addison Gest. treasurer; l.. \.
Schillinger. secretary; Walker Karr.
librarian; {. +. Toenniges. conduc-
tor: Miss Mae Culton. pianist. and
Mrs. j. W. Cook. organist. Miss Gull
ton presided at the piano last even
ing.
Members of the Chorus
The members of the chorus are:
Sopranos-Miss \. Andrews. Miss
Il. Andrews. Miss Il. Bowman. Miss \.