Arrangements Are Practically Completed to Repeat the Oratorio 'The
Creation'
The Full Proceeds Will Be Donated to the Lifeboat Association
At the meeting of the Lifeboat committee held last Friday afternoon in the secretary's office,
one of those present suggested that the ladies and gentlemen who gave Haydn's grand oratorio,
"The Creation," with such conspicuous success in December last should be asked to repeat it and
hand the proceeds over to the Lifeboat association as a donation to the fund which it is admitted
it will be necessary to raise for the purpose in view. On Tuesday last progress was reported and
the committee unanimously declared itself ready to co-operate in the reproduction of the grand
master's work. Meanwhile the secretary of the late choir has communicated with Mr. Gideon Hicks,
the talented conductor who has declared his willingness to understand the work of conducting
both the necessary rehearsals and the performance. Mr. Herbert Taylor, the bass soloist, was
spoken to and is willing, although the performance may interfere somewhat with the preparation of
the Elijah now going forward. Mr. Jesse Longfield, the organist, is most willing to help,
and Dr. Nash, the leader of the orchestra, has also assured the committee of his most
hearty support. Dr. E.S. Rowe, the pastor of the Metropolitan Methodist church, has
answered for the church board, viz., that as far as he could see they would have no objection
to the church being used for such a worthy purpose.
Letters have been despatched to the church board here and to Miss Grace Helen Bradley
at Tacoma asking her to take the soprano solo again. Mr. Goward was seen yesterday and said "you
can count on me," so there is nothing now to prevent the work being carried on to a speedy
conclusion.
Until the cantata, "Joan of Arc," has been rendered on the 23rd instant by Mr. William
Hicks' choir at the Centennial church no practices will be held, but after that the preparations
will be pushed forward as rapidly as possible.
Mr. Gideon Hicks thinks that three practices and full rehearsal will be sufficient for
the chorus, as the work is fresh in everybody's mind.
Due notice will be given in the columns of the press of the practices and the chorus'
are asked to endeavor to assist in every possible way in this most deserving work.
What the promoters have in view is the sum of $1,000 clear of absolutely necessary
expenses, and if this can be done it will be a splendid start for the fund now being raised to
purchase a lifeboat for Victoria. |