Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1909-02-11
TOUCHING TRIBUTE
To DR.. PARRY

The Mountain Ash male chorus of
Wales last night rendered a concert in
the opera house, which proved to be
one of the rarest treats that the music
loving people of Danville ever had the
pleasure of listening to. Incidentally,
the visit of the famous singers was
marked by beautiful and most touch =
ing tribute to the memory of our form
er townsman and composer of world
wide fame, DR.. Joseph Parry.
A concert was planned for / 80 at the
Structural Tubing works, where Dr.
Parry worked when a young man. All
this, of course, was through the cour-
tesy of the Structural Tubing com
pany. which planned to close down
the entire plant while the concert was
in progress and also to throw open the
doors of the works to all persons who
might feel sufficient interest in the
singers to care to hear the music.
The singers arrived at Danville on
the 1850 Danville and Bloomsbury
trolley Car and were transferred to the
Danville and Sunbury car, by which
they were carried to the Structural
Tubing works. By the time they ar
rived at the latter plant an enormous
concourse of people had crowded into
the mill, which barely left room for
the singers. The signal had been given
for closing down every department Of
the works and not wheel anywhere
was in motion.
Near the western end Of the mill
whore the most clear space is found a
stage had been imprsvised, decorated
with a large American flag. The sing
ers were conducted to this stage by
Mr.. Thomas J. Price. BY this time
including the employees of the works,
there were about a thousand people iu
the mill.
The singers were welcomed by James
Scarlet. Esq, in brief address, which
abounded in beautiful sentiment In
behalf of the friends and fellow EN-
ployes of DIR. Parry he welcomed them
to the mill, where in the days before
he was known to fame DR.. Parry toll
ed and where amid the hot iron first
came the inspiration which quickened
and stimulated him in those efforts al
composition which finally opened be-
fore him such a useful and distinguish
ed career. Mr.. Scarlet told the singers
that he hoped this greeting by the
workmen Of Danville would prove one
of the most pleasant memories that
they would carry with them to their
home beyond the seas. In the name of
the friends and fellow employees of DIR.
Parry he thanked the singers for the
beautiful tribute that they were be-
slowing on the memory Of the greal
composer.
Professor Glyudwr Richards, direct
or, responded briefly-tirst speaking
in Welsh chen in English He said
that DR.. Parry was known as we'll in
Europe as in Dauville-that there is
not a mountain or dell in Wales bat
rings and echoes with his music and
! his name.
Professor Richards announced that
they would sing as their opening II num
ber. Arabella, one OF Dr. Parry g
earlier productions, which was com
posed while he was working in the
very mill in which the singers then
stood. The opening selection, he said.
would be rendered in Welsh.
Twenty seven trained vocalists then
formed line and, without any ac-
compartment, began to sing. The eff
feet was marvellous. To begin with. ii
is doubtful whether so many ref lily
superb voices were ever heard in this
city before. The members of the chorus
each an artist in himself, have sung
together in constant regular practice
for many years. The effect can easily
be imagined There was tone and blend
ana all the other qualities to go to
make up magnificent performance.
The second selectiou-a hymE-was
sung in English.
In conclusion the employees OF the
works extended vote of thanks and
gave three rousinE cheers. The sing
ers responded with cheers. after which
they were conducted by Mr. Price to
a SPOT near by where DR.. Parry work
ed when an eml loye in the plant.
LAST NIGHTS CONCERT.
The Mountain Ash choir was greet
ed by a large and select audience in
the opera house last night. a lengthy
program was rendered made up OF
choice selections, in connection with
one of which appeared the rame OF
DR.. Parry as composer. The music was
rendered with superb effect The audi.
ence was charmed and delighted and
expressed appreciation by unstinted
applause.