Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1909-05-05

1909.
listened with great delight. Thi.
enjoyment was further enhanced by
the appearance of Miss Hilma Mats.
son, the soloist. who sang q number
of beautiful Swedish songs. accom-.
panied by the orchestra. Miss
Mata'on has q voice Of unusual lyric
beauty. It is q full. ringing, we'll.
schooled soprano, and she uses it
with breadth and simplicity. Her
lack of self consciousness provided
q welcome contrast to most concert
singers. Those Of her numbers
that seemed to be received with the
greatest favor were Lindblad's ro-
guish 'The Stage Boy Homeward
Bound," terson-Berger's ardent
love ballad. "Irmelin Rose" and
''Ro, Ro, Ogonsten." the bewitch-
ingly tender and beautiful lullaby
written by Sj0gren. Miss Matsson,
and the band and orchestra as we'll
responded generously to calls for
encores.
After the afternoon concert the
band members circulated about
town and were soon busy chatting
with people who were former resi-
dents Of their Swedish home COM
munities. The musical treat of so
much that reminded them of the
old country had stirred the hearts
OF many of the old people to the
fullest measure possible. Tack
ska nj ha. polka; helsa hem till
gamla Sverige, or similar express
sions, accompanied with hearty
handshakes and tear-filled eyes,
were greetings that met the boys
everywhere. The Carlson hall had
been provided as a headquarters for
out Of town visitors, and here little
gatherings of visitors and home
people might be found at any time
when the band was not on duty.
Had the weather and roads permit
ted, the program had been arranged
for an auto ride and open-air music
at the arch, but towards evening
the storm increased in violence, 80
that it was impossible for the band
to take out their instruments. The
visitors were amazed to see the
crowd that had braved the elements
to attend the concerts. In spite of
the storm, the results at Willmar
compared favorably with many of
the large cities in which the band
has appeared.
Director John Ekblad cabled a
report to the colonel of the regi-
ment at Kristianstad, which began
with the words: ''Willmar fest
anyckadt.'' During the absence Of
the band there is not q sign of
music at the military post in the
home city. and Mr.. Ekblad thought
it would cheer up the folks at home
to know that they were being well
received everywhere on their trip.
At the evening performance every
seat was taken and some extra ones
provided. The evening audience
was composed largely Of city peo-
pie, whereas the afternoon audience
was composed mostly of country
people. But while the audience
was perhaps little more critical
in its tastes, it was if anything
more enthusiastic thruout the per-
Torrance. From the opening
strains of the grand Swedish ma
tional hymn. "H0r oss, Svea, Moder
for oss alla," to the closing martial
tattoo every number as applauded.
After the evening concert parts
OF the band were entertained at
different places. At the Carlson
hall Director Ekblad, Miss Matsson
and few members Of the band
participated in an impromptu
gathering with q number of out of
town guests and members of the
committee. Refreshments were
served and short speeches were
made by Judge Nordin, Mr.. A. o.
Forsberg, Mr.. A. P. Nelson of
Grove City, and others. These were
responded to by Mr.. Ekblad, and
the members Of the band present
gave ringing cheers in the good old
Swedish way.
At late hour the members of
the band retired to their sleeper,
which was attached to the morning
train. They appeared at St. Peter
in two concerts on the following
day.
DR.. Victor Nilsson, of Minneapo-
lis, accompanied the band to Will
mar, having charge of the business
end of their western tour, and he
complimented the local committee
very highly for the good work done.
Souvenir programs done in three
colors were distributed to all who
attended the two concerts.
Labor sunday.
Next Sunday, May 9, having been
designated as Labor Sunday" by
thu Aunorsoo,n Ea<lo~o&:o, oe T nlno,.