The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-05-27
MUSICAL FESTIVAL OPENS.
Opening Concert of Montpelier Choral
Society Marked Success.


Not one of the large audience whcl
attended at Montpelier city hall audito
rum last night the first of the thre
concerts which comprise the 1915 festiva
need be told that within five seasons |
small, struggling, and, in point OF prom
Use, somewhat doubtful organization has
developed into strong, influential body
commanding the services of soloists Of
large experience and notable artistry, at
tracing to itself audiences representa-
tive of the entire state and drawing the
favorable and, therefore, invaluable at
tention of other towns and cities, both
within and without the state. Those OF
the audience who attended the previous
festivals were under that rare spell last
night, as the program revealed, point by
point, the wealth of detail by which this
seasons concerts may be said to surpass
the earlier efforts. There was not only
applause wel-merited applause but
there was that more intelligent, more
discriminating tributeslence while the
numbers were being given, a form of
encouragement which never fails to pro-
duee the best of which an artist is
capable.
Those who braved the weather last
evening to listen to the society's opening
concert were well repaid for their effort
since no more finished program has ever
been given in Montpelier. The work of
the chorus was a delight to all, every
member responding as if by magic to the
wonderful control of Conductor Coffin.
| Wednesdays concert could hardly be
| bettered from a standpoint of musical
excellence, although the chorus orchestra
and each soloist received full credit and
applause. The distinct hit of the even
ing was made by Mrs. Grace Bonner Will
once more demonstrated her ability to
liams, coloratura soprano, Boston, who has
capture the hearts of Montpelier people.
In all the choral numbers, Mrs. Will
liams voice, always of beautiful quality,
was never heard to better advantage.
There was exquisite purity and poise OF
tone, with fexibility and delicacy of eA
preston. The clearness and attractive
ness of her voice was especially notice
able in the solos of "The Daughter of
Jairus,' and in Fair Ellen" her voice
was equal to all the demands of this
dramatic number Mrs. Williams pos.
sesses voice with great carrying quail
ties, large and dramatic when the situa-
tion demands it, and sweet and soothing
when necessary. 1t is absolutely pure
soprano. Withal she is lady of charm |
ing personality and great fayorite |
here.
Arthur Hacket. tenor, Boston, once
more demonstrated that he was prime |
So, N1I
encores, which were justly deserved, his
voice control, enuncation and purity of
tone being all that any critical auditor
could desire.
Much interest was manifested in the
first appearance of Bernato Ferguson,
baritone, who sings here for the first
time II is needless to say that he has
lived up to all that has been said of his
ability as singer and gave as much
pleasure 20 his hearers as any who have
previously been on our concert stage.
His tones were broad and full, his die
ton perfect, every note carrying to all II
parts of the large hall with remarkable
effect. 1t is fortunate that those who
did not hear him last night will have the
tonight, since he is an ar
list of real merit. II
The concert opened with Stainer's
Daughter of Jairus," which is the story i
IF the Bible tradition of the raising from
The dead of the daughter of one Jairus.
4 ruler of the synagogue. This number
introduces solos and duets of rare beau H
ty and chorus that are soul stirring. II
The work of the soloists was equalled
,nly by the excellent work of the cho- II
us, who showed its ability to give ex-
preston, depth and finish in its work.
The second number was also a choral II
'Carmena," waltz song by III
.ane Wilson, full OF swing and go, that
1 once caught the fancy of the audience, III
Who responded with such tremendous APP II
'lause that the society broke one of its
established rules and gave the number III
gain. With the same effective style. II
Then followed the arias of the soloists, II
lr. Ferguson leading with that stirring
rologue from "Pagliacci.' In this mum.
er, the soloist made il apparent that he
'as capable Of the best, and his selection
allied forth the enthusiastic applause Of
he audience, to which he responded with
song, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal
Is compared with former baritones who
ave appeared here, Mr.. Ferguson can
,el well assured that he has filed his
BE in a very acceptable manner.
Mrs Williams aria, Una Voce POGO
a" from the Barber Of Seville" was
the work Of an accom-. II
lished artist and justified the enthusi-
stic reception accorded il. II displayed
he wonderful nute.like quality Of her :
lice admirably and gave evidence Of
ar perfect control in is difficult pas
lges. So pleased were the audience
iat she was obliged to respond with
'peated encores, and amply justified her
.putation as a finished soloist in these
larming numbers. iii
Mr.. Hackctts group Of songs were
ven with all bic charm and finish. At
, appearance with the society has he
ven such evidence of his perfect con
81, clearness Of diction. evenness Of
ne which in its lighter shades was no
80 remarkable than in the forte pas
ges TO which ne responded with
Iwer that was delight 10 al his ad
irers. He sang - an encore. In q
srsian Garden with elearncss and
cling
The program closed with that dramstic
otch ballad Of MaN Bruch. Pan n
!" relating an incident If the siege Of