Commencement Concert

The programme for the musical festival which takes place Wednesday evening, of commencement week, ia now in final rehearsal by the societies which are to be represented. The main work, constituting the first and larger part of the evening's performance, will devolve upon the choral union. They have been diliffently preparing since last autumn to render the very difficult music of Mendelssohn's Elijah. The first part, only of this magnificent Oratorio will be given, ending where at the Prophet's entreaty, the famished land oí Israel and Judah is again visited by reviving rains, and the power of the true God acknowledged by the people. The soloists have been selected with great care and with a view to their capability to render the noble.music which Mendelssohn has put into the mouths of Elijah and the other principal characters of the sacred drama. Miss Grace Hiltz, of Chicago, soprano, Miss Ella Joslyn, of New York, alto, and Mr. C. V. Slocum, of Detroit, tenor, will be recognized as old favorites. The two former have appeared twice in oratorio in this city, and Mr. Slocum haa many times, both in oratorio and concert programmes, given great pleasure with his clear voice and intelligent singing. The part of Elijah has been assigned to Mr. A. D. Eddy, baritone, of Chicago, who comes well recommended. The orchestra, numbering thirty-five instruments is, under Prof. Cady's direction, holding weekly rehearsals in Detroit and will give to the support of the chorus and the rendition of their single numbers their very best efforts. The second part of the programme will be miscellaneou8 in character. Miss Julia L. Carruthers and Miss Mary L. Wood will give two piano numbers with orchestral accompaniment. The University glee club and the Amphion club will also assist. Altogether, it is hoped to give the friends and visitón who come to this commencement, not only an evening of pleasure, but also a clear demonatration of the earnest and valuable work which has been accomplished in musical art in the last few years by the musical societiesand school.