The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1917-05-29
MISS HELENE PUGH
ENCHANTS AUDIENCE
Finance Discussed, Estimat-
ed Deficit Probably
Smallest Yet

AS Director William NJ Coup stood
in front of the chorus of nearly eighty
voices at the Presbyterian church
Thursday evening, leading the mag
nificent assemblage of voices which
was holding the large audience in
awed silence, the work done by him
to bring about the more than success
full rendition of Faust of Wednesday
evening and the miscellaneous pro-
gram of Thursday night must have
been impressed upon the minds of
all members of the audience.
The rendition of the miscellaneous
program which was arranged for
Thursday evening terminated the
May festival which marked the fifth
milestone passed successfully by the
Mt. Vernon Festival association. The
event is worthy of lengthy note, the
renditions of the chorus being eXqui-
site in every detail and the work of
Miss Helene Pugh at the piano being
ChCCPllOlldls llOJ Ohly lOl lu0 WOuuSl-
full technique of Miss Pugh, but fully
as much for her excellent artistic
touches and expression.
This is the fifth year that a May
festival has been given by the fes-
tival association and, so far, is the
crowning climax of the'~five years
work. But there is one thing-larger
than it may sound-the financial
problem which has confronted the
directors, the one blot on the pages
of the history of the association. On
ly once has the festival been self
supporting entertainment.
Heretofore, large deficit has faced
the directors. This year the deficit,
as near as can be calculated, will
amount to about $50-the least so far
with the exception of the year that
there was none. The directors have
pledged themselves to make up the
deficit, the great thing they, did last
year, that the festival might again be
given for the people of this city.
At the most convenient place dur
ing the program, Judge F. o. Lever
ing, president Of the festival associa-
tion, told in a few brief remarks the
sion and that of reserved seats will
probably remain the same next year
as it was this year that the same
class of entertainments may be Civ
en-.
The sentiment of the audience, as
expressed by Supt. p. c. Zemer, the
Rev. G. r. Dye, Hon. l.. T. Cromley
and Judge Lewis B. Houck, was that
the festival should be continued and
all OF those who responded to Presi-
dent Leverings appeal for sugges-
tions expressed themselves as being
of the opinion that it would be a
very advisable thing to give one even
ing to the high school pupils and
their choIuses.
Cards were passed to each member
of the audience with several ques-
tions on them to be answered. The
questions referred to the continuance
of the May festival and what aid each
one would give to make it financial
success.
As was the case Wednesday even
ing, the program was begun by the
singing of two verses of "The Star
Spangled Banner" by the chorus and
the audience.
Miss Pugh, introduced by Director
Coup, was greatly applauded as she
made her advent before the people
of this city to begin the regular con
cert program. Her rendition OF
Schytte's Concerto for Pianoforte in
c. Charp Minor was wonderful.
Beginning with the Allegro, Miss
Pugh captivated her audience with
the full strong tones that emanated
from the grand piano as she touched
the keys with her supple fingers. Ev
cry effect was brought out by Miss
Pugh in her rendition of the first part
the technique being unsurpassable
and her expression beyond the pow
er of the English language to de
scribe.
The second part, the Intermezzc
Adante con moto, was rendered with