On Tuesday evening a very enjoyable concert was given in the Lecture Hall, Woodbridge, by the members of the Choral Society, which, after a lapse of several years, was, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Geo. E. Walker, again started about three months ago, with Mr. Fred. Whishaw, of London (late of her Majesty’s Opera Concert Tours), as conductor.
The platform was covered with crimson baize, and profusely adorned with pot plants lent Mr. Samuel Alexander and Mr. Alfred Gall.
The first part of the programme consisted chiefly of Dr. Stainer’s cantata, “The daughter of Jairas,” the solos being taken by Miss Beatrice Gough (soprano), Mr. Fred Whishaw (tenor), and Mr. Alfred Gall (bass). Mr. F. W. Hopson presided at the piano, and Miss Cullingford at the organ. The chorus, consisting of about 50 voices, was exceedingly well balanced, and for attack and precision left nothing to be desired. Miss Beatrice Gough, who possesses a rich melodious voice, was quite equal to the various solos entrusted to her. Mr. Alfred Gall’s fine voice was heard to great advantage in the recitative (soprano and bass), "Behold there cometh,” and Mr. Fred Whishaw received much applause for his rendering of the song “My hope is in the Everlasting,” and also for the duet “ Love Divine,” in conjunction with Miss Gough. In the trio and chorus, “To Him who left His throne,” which concluded the cantata, the solos were well taken by Miss Gough (soprano), Mr. Harry Gall (tenor), and Mr. Alfred Gall (bass).
Mozart’s beautiful chorale "Ave verum" was the next item, followed Mr. Fred Whishaw’s song, “Be thou faithful (Mendelssohn), with ’cello obbligato by Mr. Alfred Gall.
Mr. F. Hopson opened the second part with piano solo, “Invitation a la Danse" (Weber). The class then sang the madrigal, "Soon as I careless strayed.” Miss Beatrice Gough’s selections were "Why must we say good-bye?” E. Cooke, and the old favourite, “Annie Laurie," both of which were heartily encored. Miss B. Grimwood’s violin solo, “Saltarella” (Papini), delighted the audience, and had to be repeated. Mr. Fred. Whishaw sang with great taste Blumenthal’s wellknown song. “My Queen,” and was deservedly encored.
The Class then gave a tuneful rendering of Barnby’s glee, “Sweet and Low,” followed “Prince Ivan’s Song” (Allitzen), by Mr. Alfred Gall. A trio for three violins, by Geminiani, by the Misses Grimwood and Miss T. Alexander gained much applause.
The programme concluded with Schumann’s part song. Gipsy Life,” which was particularly well rendered.
Mr. F. W. Hopson ably accompanied the various performers in the second part, an upright grand by Hopkinson (supplied by Mr. T. F. Stidolph), being used.
The notice of the concert cannot close without a word of praise to the hon. secretary. Mrs G. E. Walker, who took great pains to make it a thorough success.