The Stetson Weekly Collegiate

ttfy? ^trtsnn M^klg Gtalkgiat? The Only Students' Publication of John B. Stetson University VOL. xxv DeLAND, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1912 NO. 10 THE COMING GREAT MUSIC FESTIVAL Great Musical happenings are planned for February 20, 2! and 2S. The mo,s \. expensive set of vocal artist s ever assembled for a Southern Festival are to be brought to DeLand. It is going to be a big thing for DeLand and for the University. It is getting harder every year to get the real good artists to come so far to give a concert, but all these singers were practically contracted for last August, before they had their season booked full, so we are assured by an iron-clad contract that they will appear here at the time stated. Here is the program and list of Artists. Talk about it ,students, when you get home for the holi- d ays: FIRST NIGHT. Elgar's greatest work, "King Olaf." Chorus of seventy-five voices, orchestra, piano and organ accompaniment—Famous Soloists. SECOND DAY. Afternoon—Children's Fest ival Chorus, from the Public School, will sing six numbers. The Vesper Choir will sing six special Part Songs never heart in the South before—and—a great Contralto Soloist—and America's Greatest Harpist. SECOND NIGHT. Artists Night—Here is the talent: Ellison VanHoose, America's greatest Tenor—Chicago- Phila Grand Opera Co.—Mme. Nina Diinitrieff— the Russian Nignoingale, Soprano—Miss Beatrice McCue—New York's best Contralto— Marcus Killerman—Bass Baritone (Berlin Royal Opera)—Annie Louise Daird—America's greatest Harpist. FRIDAY NIGHT, FEBY. 28. The incomparable David Bispham, America's greatest Baritone, assisted by Harry M. Gilbert, Composer-Pianist. Mr. Bispham has consented to sing "Danny Deever" and recite "King Robert of Sicily, with musical accompaniment, at the DeLand Recital. He is the most versatile and interesting singer before the public today. He is famous both in this coun- try and in every country abroad. You will never forget his singing. He is going to give us his very best program—all English. Ellison Van Hoose, is America's best Tenor. He sang with Melba four years in Concert, also made two extensive tours with Sem- brick. He is a member of the Chicago-Phila Opera Co., and made a tremendous success as Dick Johnson, in the Girl of the Golden West. Mme. Nina Dimitrieff is Russia's leading Prima Donna Soprano, has sung with great success throughout Europe, and in Convent Garden, London. She has filled the most important engagements in the country during the last year. The Worcester Festival, Cincinnati Festival. New York Symphony Orchestra, etc. Miss Beatrice McCue, Contralto, has a beautiful voice and talents of a high order. Is an eastern girl, sings in three languages, and is Soloist at the Russell Sage Memorial Church, New York. Marcus Kellerman, Bass-Baritone, is said by America's critics to be one of the world's greatest artists. He is already a celebrity in Europe where he sang in the Royal Opera Company at Berlin, Germany. In the two years he has toured this country he has made the critics acknowledge his superiority, both of voice and interpretation. He will sing the bass solos in "King Olaf," and also take a big part in the Artist's Concert. .Miss Annie Louise Daird, Americas finest Harpist, This will be her first appearance in the South, and it will be a rare treat to hear a harp played as she can piay it. She will appear at the Evening Concert, and also at the afternoon Concert, playing Solos and accompaniments. The Vesper Choir is doing beautiful singing this year, and King Olaf will be sung with taste and power when the time comes. Everybody should plan to take in this Feast of Music. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx X x y X KING OLAF. X X X xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx In a volume of old Norwegian history, caller the HcimsVringla, is related the story of a, great king, a wonderful character for his age, by name, Olaf Trygresson. His life from his very birth is as interesting as any romance. He was the son of a great king and queen and his mother, Astrid, af:er the death of his father, was comeplled to flee with the child because of the bitter hatred of Queen Gunhild. But at last she finds refuge in Sweden where Olaf is sold as a slave. Here he is discovered by his uncle Sigrid Erikson and taken to Russia, where he is protected by Queen Olga. King Olaf's first endeavor after having ascended the throne, was to Christianize the country and well was he adapted for the task, for where gentle means did not avail, he did not hesitate to employ fire and sword. He first converts all of viken and soon the christianization of Ogden follows. He meets no decided opposition until he reaches Trou- delag, the principal sanctuary of Norse p nism. Here, encouraged by his previous success and impelled by holy zeal, he broke down the altars of the Gods, burned their images and carried off their treasures. The peasants, led by their great chief, "Iron Heard" itmncdi. ly show open revolt. But Olaf, by his Btrat< manages to stay Ironbeanl and compel the peasants to submit to his dem For the slaying of Ironbeard Olaf offers to pay a large atonement by marrying his daughter Gudrun. The wedding night, how. Gudrun attempts to murder Olaf and so is returned to her people. He can scarcely have regretted her much as he immediately directs his attention to Sigrid, the Haughty, of Sweden. But upon her refusal to be baptized he angrily leaves her and settles the problem by marrying Thyra, the sister of King Svveyn the Dane. After this bricr interval devoted to pel affairs, Olaf returns once more to the to which he had devoted his life and so accomplishes the great achievement "I converting Norway. And his name is surrounded by a halo. At this time, however, he decides to steer southland to Wendland to encounter and overcome both his and Thyras foe | he meets the joined forces of King Sweyn, Earl Erick and King Olaf the Swede. And in a desperate struggle at Svolder, because of the numerical superiority of his foes, was utterly defeated and here by jumping overboard from his ship "The Long Serpent," he was drowned. ! achievement surrounded his name wuli a halo and greatly was he loved. In the first place m> manly beauty predisposed people-in his favor. Secondly, natural kindliness and winning mai tractcd every one fast, his skill, in athletic ! and the use of arms was greatly admired. In daily intercourse he was affebll generous, fond of a joi' d to laughter and wrath. Hi love of Bplendoi in attire and surroundings also sei him to his people and wc have seen how when fired with holy zeal he commited acts which he ought to have regret1' So let us say with Longfellow: "Thank God,—the reign of violence lying surely from the world; Whiie love triumphant reign' And in a brighter sky over! - His blessed banners are unfurled." —Marie Russell Stephens—