Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-16

s,io auspices OF the Wateryille-Ni in
SION Chamber of, Commerce.
a.. me music stopped, and gradually
.ne curtains parted. The audience
strained. and keyed to the highest
pltch' expected 20 see the first SET
ing or THE Impresario," but much
~ their amazement and disappoint-
aenl II was announced that owing
10 inc TACT that Thomas McGranahan
VINO was to have played the part
VI mozart in. the opera, was unable
~ ~ appear on account Of sickness. so
we company would be Obliged in
stead OF giving the "Impresario" TO
siHe only concert numbers.
Aithough the audience were much
disappointed over not being able to
iear the famous opera they wei e
l!uch Pleased with the concert, and
stated a1terward that they had all
leceiVed their moneys worth. Zach
y, me singers is an artist of rare
aclllt!' and their splendid voices
lihnsHng with the piano accompanl-
lhehts played by Miss Gladys Craven,
sweetly and clearly floated through
lne nan greatly pleasing the listen
ers. ana each singer in turn received
applause. which clearly denoted the
-~tFN ~SAtNhoAA vi WHICH lnoIr music
was held by the local people.
Percy Hemus, who was to have
taken the leading male part in the
"1mpresario" was at his best in Civ
ing ms concert numbers. Several of
his songs were the ones which he
sings in the opera while others we've
ones which he only uses for solo
work. He has been called by many
critics one of the leading baritone
singers in the United States, and 1t is
the opinion Of the aterville people
that he certainly lived up to his repu-
tation last evening. His melicw,
flexible voice seemed capable OF any
thing with a great volume and full
ness of tone. Many had never heard
his equal before and were greatly
pleased by his magnetic charm and
talent.
Inc second baritone. Francis Tyler,
was also pleasing singer and displays
singing voice of rich dramatic ability
OF force and volume
MISS Gladys Craven as accompanies
performed her inconspicuous part with
Such perfection that she attracted
much attention from those present.
She is fully entitled to a title of vir-
tuoso. Her skill was remarkable. and
although perhaps her part was not as
prominent as that of some of the sing
crS. nevertheless the success of the
singers depended upon her.
Miss Hazel Huntington sang with
ease and perfection. Executing the
most difficult trills and cadenzas with
harmonious results. Her pleasing man.
ner and her grace only found for her
additional favor in the eyes of her lis
tcncs. He staccato tones wee clrean and
sharp, and the rapidity with which
they sprang from her throat did not
destroy in the least the vibrant quail
ties. Her voice showed delicate shad-
ing and perfection of control and at
tack. She took the highest notes with
perfect ease and they could be likened
to the piping of birds deeps in forest,
where nothing ever disturbs their
songs or interrupts the JOY of their
lives. Her technique was wonderful
and the ease with Which flord passages
were rendered surpassed the best that
has been done in Watervillc in a decade
The local people were greatly pleased
with the concert, and although We're
somewhat disappointed in the unavoid-
able poStponement OF the Impresario.
yet they appreciate the company's en-
deaver to give them a taste of real
cl" zeal and artistic music. and it is
hoped that at a future date the same
society can be induced to stage the
opera. and they also appreciated the
Chamber of Commerce interest in the
welfare of the community in getting
such a talented organization to act
before it's citizens