Evening journal., 1918-02-06
HEARERS CHARMED
BY 0RPHEUS CLUB
New Organization Makes
Splendid Impression at
It's First Concert
SOLOISTS PLEASE
WITH THEIR NUMBERS

The first concert given by the Orpheus
Club. at the New Century Club last
night, was a revelation to a pleased
audience of the high quality Of musical
ability and the fine training OF this new
organization Of male voices. The even
ing was a genuine musical treat to the
large audience assembled. The chorus
sang with a smoothness Of phrasing, a
dramatic feeling for the meaning and
emotions Of the songs. and richness
Of harmony that reflected great credit
on the conductor. Ralph Kinder, and
that told OF a high standard Of indi-
vldual merit. The membership contains
many names already familiar to VIII
mingtonans as well known concert and
choir singers.
10 is to be hoped that the appreci-
alton shown Of last nights concert will
lead TO a continuance Of the series
With the growing interest in things
musical which the city is giving unmis-
taxable evidence Of a male chorus Of
fine ability will be very welcome
There will undoubtedly be an even
larger audience at the second concert
The proceeds from last nights musi-
Gale have been generously donated by
the Orpheus Club TO the our Boys in
/ France Tobacco Fund.-" conducted by
/ THE EVENING JOURNAL
The most striking number by the
chorus was the composition by Mr..
Kinder, Lord Of All Majesty" in which
Frank F. Palmer took the solo part.
The music and the words OF this battle
hymn have a stern exaltation and full
toned grandeur that make it a perfect
expression OF Americas spirit in the
great war. Mr.. Palmer, whose rich,
expressive voice is always a pleasure
to his audience, took the solo part with
great effectiveness.
The popular ION the Road TO Man
dalay,' was given as a solo by Frank
Huss, with chorus accompaniment. Mr..
Huss was in good voice. and gave Viii
mingtOn people renewed admiration for
the sweetness and clarity Of his tones
and his mastery Of technlc. He was
vigorously apDlauded.
The camp songs, There's q Long.
Long Trail" "Over There" and keep
the Homes Fires Burning" We're
favOrite group, sung with a zest by the
club, with the audience joining in
rather shyly. After few more weeks
Of Community sings, the audience will
gather more confidence in its voice.
A new musical setting, given by Mr..
Kinder to the Battle. Hymn of the Re-
public" was Of interest in its sugges-
tion Of the tramp Of an armed host,
and the clash Of steel.
ITO Nhe Spirit Of Music" including
the club motto. THE Lost Chord,
Garry Me Back to Old Nirglnny," and
"All Kinds of Women" We're other
numbers by the club which We're well
applauded.
The best part Of the concert, like the
sugar-plum course OF a dinner, has
been saved 10 the last The reference
is made TO the two very charming
Philadelphia soloists Miss May Farley,
soprano. and Mrs Dorothy JohnstOne-
Baseler, harpist
Miss Farley was delayed by inter
rupted train service, arriving at the
close Of the evening just in time to give
four Of the songs planned for. Miss
Farley has an unusually beautiful
voice, Of sweetness and power, and her
artistry of expression won her audi
ence completely. There were express
sions Of regret heard on every side that
some Of her numbers had been omitted,
but all realized it was no easy thing TO
sing Immediately after a trip through
the cold night air.
Mrs. Baseler gave number Of harp
selections with the delicate touch Of
an artist. She is a favorite with Will
mington audiences The Fountain"
was perhaps the loveliest Of her solos,
It's ripping tones bringing out the full
beauty Of this rare instrument The
most popular group she gave was
selection Of Irish melodies, which the
audience greatly appreciated.
Altogether II was a successful and |
admirable concert.