COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT TO GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE OF TENNESSEE BY FISK UNIVERSITY.
The Mozart Society, under the direction of Prof. Spence, has just given its concert complimentary to His Excellency the Governor, and the Legislature of Tennessee. The Governor was unable to attend on account of sickness in his family, but sent a letter to Prof. Spence expressing his regret. This is the third time that a complimentary concert has been given to the Legislature, at its different sessions, but this one was probably the most successful in every sense.
The whole chapel was reserved for our guests; no tickets being sold, and the students not attending, that there might be room for the entire body. A few leading citizens, both white and colored, were invited, and the Faculty and teachers of the University were also present. The night was warm and pleasant, and students appointed for the purpose met our distinguished guests at the street car, a quarter of a mile distant, escorting them up through the unlighted street.
The Hall, however, was brilliantly lighted, and when the concert began was well filled, still others coming in later in the evening.
The Mozart Society, consisting of fifty members, with piano, organ, violins, flute and cornet, occupied the raised platform in front.
The Society includes all grades of students, but more especially are they from the advanced classes, as the very difficult music which they render requires all the mental power of which they are capable. Prof. Spence is the soul and life of the Society, and gives himself to it with an energy and enthusiasm that is an inspiration to all the members. They have studied music from the great composers for several years, and during the present school year have devoted themselves especially to the Oratorio of Elijah.
The first half of the concert consisted of selections from this Oratorio.
All who are acquainted with the music know that it is simply sublime and that it must be a most unappreciative soul that can listen to it without being deeply moved.