The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1920-03-04
LYRIC CLUB IN
FINE CONCERT
FavOrite Kenosha Musical
Organization Sings to
Great Crowd.
CHARLES HUSSEY SINGS

of winter concerts by the Lyric Club
in the Elks' ball room Tuesday even
ing, gives assurance that the people
of Kenosha realize the Importance of
the club in the city's civic life. In
a few months time Wesley LaViolette,
the able director, has organized a
chorus which can claim first place in
things musical in Kenosha. While the
club is an amateur organization and
there are many points upon which
one might criticize adversely, the fine
effects so overshadow the weak points
that one must emphasize the good and
encourage the club members if Keno
sha is to have a permanent, ever i'm
proving, musical organization.
The club was first formed as the
Kenosha Kommunity Korus in the lat
ter part of 1918, but the idlers, who
did not consider the project as more
than a pastime to be taken seriously
only if it did not interfere with social
obligations, were soon weeded out, and
in 1919, the present club, the person
mel of which contains many of Keno
Sud > lOLGuIOob IlubANieAiioS Woo AOA4AACN
The first in the series of concerts was
given at the Virginian Theatre in No
vember of 1919 and the effect which
it had on the audience is reflected in
last nights attendance which was al
most double that of the first concert.
Persons who were rather skeptical and
had been converted by the fine work at
haOoVaa cfo
porters of the club last evening when
program Of varied and difficult Sc
ections was presented.
BassO AS solOist.
In keeping with the policy to present
ON out-of-t town soloist at each concert,
Charles Hussey, Chicago basso, as
sisted in last nights concert. AS the
very first notes of his "The Armourer"
from robin Hood" rang out full and
resonant, one could easily imagine that
the singer was giving a selection from
grand opera and rather anticipated the
appearance of his Colleagues. Per-.
baps this effect is due to the fact that
he is a pupil of Arimondi of the Chi
eago Opera Company and has been
much in the opera atmosphere. His
voice is of remarkable range and
Schumann- Heink, after hearing Hus-
sey, said that he had one Of the best
placed voices of any singer she had
ever heard. The beauty of his low,
vibrant tones were doubly impressive
because of his dwelling upon them.
His first number, and his last, Spross'
"The Song of Steel," probably gave
one the most comprehensive under
standing Of his powers. The "Aria of
Sarastro" from "The Magic Flute"
was admirably done in Italian. Hus-
sey's voice was especially adapted for
the rich Irish brogue in Lohr's
Little Irish Girl" The clear enunci-
alton throughout added much to the
enjoyment of his performance. Other
numbers which he gave and which met
with the heartiest approval of his au-
dience were "I'm Wearing AVA"
arthur Footo); "The Mighty Deep"
CIV. H, Jude); "Deep River" (H. T.
Burleigh); "Since You Went Away"
(Johnson); "Ah! TITS Dream"
(Hawley) and the old favorite asleep
in the Deep"
Effective Chorus Numbers.
The first of the choral numbers was
Faning's "Daybreak," which had many
points of dynamic and climactic in
terest. The Medley from the South"
arranged by Pike, presented group of
old time favorite melodies. The sec
ond group by the chorus presented
Elgar's "The Showers" Brahms "The
Trysting Place" and Taneyef's "The
Stars" The three numbers are just
beginning to come into usage as con-
cert numbers and were exceptionally
we'll executed. "The Stars" is one of
the most difficult of chorus numbers,
but the artistic handling of the diff
fcult vehicle developed poise and
technic which was evident throughout
the program. Two humorous selections
which were we'll received by the audi
ence were in the third group which
presented Alexander" (Brewer);
when the Heart is Young" (Buck)
and "A Catastrophe" (Sprague). The
performance came to a brilliant climax
after the singing of Faning's 'Moon-
light" in the last group when the
italian Street Song" from Naughty
Marietta" was given.
Miss Harriet Lewis handled the diff
lcult solo role. Miss Lewis dramatic
Ioprano voice was amply displayed in
the difficult runs and long drawn high
notes. The ensemble effect in the lilt-
ing chorus through which ran the
dominant soprano notes, was gorgeous
and left craving for future perform
ances of the same calibre.
Miss McCIay Accompanies.
Miss Irene McClay, who has been one
of the latest members of the club
offered colorful and symp 1etic ac-
compartments. Mr.. LaViolette dis
tinguished himself not only in the
lovely ensemble effects which his con-
ductorship produced, but also by the
accomplishments which he played to
Mr.. Hussey's songs.
The third in the series Of concerts
will be given in May at which time
Governs beautiful cantata, "The Rose
Maiden" will be presented with four
soloists. The sponsors of the club are
so well pleased that it is planned to
$50 o~oN+er number Of concarte rav+