The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1913-10-30
AUDITORIUM
IS DEDICATED
8
FORMA 8 Z OPENED BY THE PRO-
DUE ON OF THE OPERA
FAUST"
LARGE CROWD Was N ATTENDANCE
And Production Is Probably the Most
Pleasing Musical Entertainment
Ever Given in %Brookines
LARGE CROWD WAS N ATTENDANCE

~h " NJ oA~NS
Brookings people as well as all in this
portion of the state, was the formal
opening of the new college auditorium
Friday evening.
In recognition of the excellence and
perseverance Of the choral work by
Mr.. Hedge last year, he was given an
opportunity upon this occasion to bring
this important branch of college activ-
ity into the foreground. The work
given was Gounod's Faust" and was
rendered by a chorus Of about ninety
voices, assisted by an orchestra Of
thirty men.
The general expression Of those
present is that the production was the
most pleasing musical entertainment
ever given in Brookings. And it Is
we'll to remember that every n of the
many that participated is a resident of
Brookings, with the exception of one
of the soloists and one member Of the
orchestra. That Dean Hedges efforts
to give Brookings good music is ap-
preciated vas shown by the large au-
dience, there being about 900 people
present, many of whom were from out
of town.
The chorus upon this occasion gave
an example of their finest work and
suggested many possibilities. Under
the careful baton of Mr.. Hedge who
seemed always in most intimate touch
with both orchestra and chorus, ex-
preston, contrasts and climax were
we'll defined.
The Kehmesse in its extreme intri-
cacy offered the greatest difficulties
which were met with ease. The Light
as Air" displayed the chorus parts in
q beautiful orchestral setting. The
male chorus was well balanced and the
Soldiers Chorus brought the work to a
triumphant close.
OF the soloists, Miss Laura Ferguson
sang the part Of Marguerite-a very
exacting task, requiring the equipment
of an artist-in a pleasing and wholly
satisfactory manner. While perhaps
her voice is most beautiful in lyric
passages, the more ford portions
were sung with ease and precision.
Her personality is charming and we
are glad to welcome her as a valuable
addition to the musical life of Brook
ings.
Miss Aurora Leekley sang the part
Of Seibel. Her Interpretation of the
Flower Song" was artistic and her
enunciation clear, which qualities to-
gether with her beautiful tones and
pleasant n could % but add to
her popularity.
The only visiting artist, Mr.. Harry
Phillips of Minneapolis, sans the parts
of Mephisto and Valentine. The "Calf
of Gold" which was in part accom-
panied by the male chorus was a thing
of breadth and power which gained
the immediate approval Of his au.
ulcuCC. I1C wac OOAoIi dluCu Wy Tic GU"
thusiastic reception Of Maiden Fein.
ing to be Sleeping" to repeat the num-
Der and in Valentines song preceding
the Soldiers Chorus" he brought out
it's deepest expression.
MI. Hedge again took the tenor part
of Faust" in addition to his position
at the conductors desk. He again re-
called to our minds the feeling Of self
congratulation in having him with US.
Notwithstanding the mental and physi-
cal strains necessarily involved in
training and directing the chorus, and
orchestra, his solo parts showed their
usual finesse.
The musicianship Of the artists were
most tested in the ensemble numbers.
The soprano and tenor love duet
was q thing Of beauty and the trio,
Away Then" was given q magnificent
rendering.
The orchestra has never been heard
to better advantage upon any previous
occasion. Mr.. Christensen proved of
great assistance to Mr.. Hedge in train
ing the several parts. Their concert
affections, the Ballet music, awakened
in many minds the recurring question,
why not a Symphony Orchestra III
Brookings?' Surely with leaders Of
,hja kind and the musicians we have.