From Our 01 Correspondent.
Ningpo, Jan. 24.
For the first time in the history of the ancient city of Ningpo selections from Handel's great oratorio "The Messiah''—consiaered by many the greatest ever produced—have been rendered here.
We are fortunate in having in our midst two very skilful musicians, the Rev. W. P. Bates, who acted as conductor, and Miss Lawrence who was pianist. For several months a chair' of about 20 voices has been practising the pieces selected and on January 14 the rendering was given at a Handel evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. "Redfern. Practically the whole foreign community was present as well as the Taoyin and his wife. The Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Carey, proved a very genial chairman and by way of introduction to the musical part of the programme gave an interesting account of Handel's life and works.
Solos were rendered by Miss Hughes, Miss. Cressy, Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Bates, Dr. Thomas and Mr. and Mrs. Redfern. Two of our best soloists, Miss Duncan and Mr. Smith, were unfortunately unable to be present owing to sick+ ness. After a brief interval a further selection of Handel's works including the well-known Largo rendered on the violin by Mr. Tchou, and -selections from "Judas Macabeus," given by Mrs. Redfern and Mr. Bates brought to a close a most delightful and profitable evening.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.