The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-05-25
The Orchestra and ChiIdren's
Chorus Both Perform in
Splendid Manner and Praise
Is Sincere.
FAME OF RICHMOND
AS MUSICAL CENTER
May Festival Achievement
Brings New laureIs This
Year-A Great Audience
Was Present.
BY ELIZABETH r. THOMAS.


The children's chorus at the opening
concert of the May Festival last even.
ing was certainly one of the best
trained organizations ever heard in
this city. The soloists, orchestra and
the chorus made a most favorable I'm
preston on the large audience Assem-.
bicd in the Coliseum which gave Ear
hart and his helpers an ovation. Tha
work of the chorus demonstrated to the
public what Will Earhart has accom-.
plished. both an instructor in the Rich
mond public schools and as a musical
director of untold ability. He had per-
feet control of the children last even
ing, the voices blending in such har-
| mony as has scarcely been equalled by
like children's chorus in this coun.
try. The selection the children pre-
sented was Into the World by Ben
oft. 1t was not alone the pleasure of
hearing Richmond's children but
true appreciation of their musical abil-
ity which captured the hearts OF the
great audience.
Children Make 4 Hit.
They sang without books and watch
ed every move made by Mr.. Earhar..
showing what perfect control he had
over the children. As all musicians
know this cantata Is no trivial musical
affair, but on the other hand Is most
difficult. especially for voices whic,,
| have had no vocal training. Perhaps
Mr.. Earhart and members OF the cho.
rus will scarcely realize what pleasure
| it afforded the large audience to hear
such music. Benoit's cantata Is con-
sidered one of two greatest works for
children, and by this the general pub
lie will understand what 1t means for
director to undertake such work.
The cantata has been successfully pre-
| sented in Cincinnati and indianapolis.
Richmond Orchestra Successful.
The orchestra is also deserving OF
the greatest praise and when 1t played
the opening selection. "Rosamunden
lDie ZauberharfeD by Schubert, contin-
ued applause was given In response to
the excellent rendition Of the number.
This organization owes its origin to
the progressive music spirit Of few
orchestral players, Immediately aided
by the enthusiastic support Of the re.
naming local orchestral forces. It was
organized in the fall OF 1908. as the
Richmond Orchestral Club. Mr.. Will
Earhart was chosen conductor, he be-
ing the most able director in the coun-
try. The community owes Q debt OF
gratitude to the unselfish devotion OF
this organization that has asked 20
little and served 30 faithfully.
The orchestra certainly acquitted f.
self last evening to the greatest sat
isfaction OF the audience In favorable
comparison with those out Of town or
chestra which have been here. Miss
Elizabeth Hasemeier. as piano accom-
panist received much credit for her un-
firing work throughout the many re-
hearsals which date back over . period
of about six months
The soioists.
The appearance OF Mrs. Antoinefto
Werner West, the celebrated soprano.
last evening was another pleasant fea-
ture OF the program. She sang tho
Aria, Ocean. Thou Mighty Monster"
from Oberon by Weber. Her voice de-
lighted all She has . clear soprano
voice OF full volume and sweetness.
Mrs. West has studied at the Cincin-
natl college of music. She has appear
ed as soloist with many choral socie-
ties. In the Cincinnati May Festival
in 1908 Mrs. West was one Of the So
loists in Pierne's "Childreu's Cru
SADIE" She was honored by being chos~
en- for the same part In the repetition
of the work in this years festival
The other soloist for the evening
was Mr.. Neils Hougaard Nielsen, .
tenor OF unusual ability. He sang (aD
Aria-"n Milo Tesoro Intanto." from
Don Giovanni by Mazart. and (bp
Woodland Love Song" by Hawley IN
such charming manner that he was
forced to respond to an encore He
was favorite with the audience This
noted musician was born In Copen-
hagen, Denmark. His parents were
excellent musicians. He came to AM
erica in 1904 and has since definitely
chosen musical career. He has gain
ed much favorable recognition as q
singer. To say that he delighted his
listeners last evening Is putting It in
mild manner.
Earhart Given Ovation.
Taking it all in all the concert last
evening was the best musical event Of
It's kind ever given in this city. Mr..
Earhart received an ovation last
night and IL receiving congratulations
on all sides today II tho other con-
certs are az successful - the 1rst.
Richmond viii have taken . unique
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