A Special Concert rendered by The Manchester Beecham Operatic Chorus, relayed from Milton Hall: Conductor, W. Arthur Lomas

Hannah Chopper (Soprano) Gwendolen Clarke (Soprano) John Hughes (Baritone) M. Ainsworth (Soprano) Cora Maude (Mezzo-Soprano) Elsie Boardman (Contralto) Edith Scholes (Contralto)
Accompanist: Hilda Wilmot

Valentine - John Hughes
Marguerite - M. Ainsworth
Siebel - Cora Maude

Mephistopheles, having destroyed the erring Marguerite's hopes of pardon, has been satirically serenading her while Faust stands by. Valentine, her brother, draws his sword upon Faust, and they fight. Mephistopheles, by a foul blow, causes Valentine to fall mortally wounded. As he dies, he curses the sister once so dear to him.

Opening Chorus from 'Phoebus and Pan' Bach (English Translation by Arthur Lomas)
This jolly Cantata was put on the stage some years ago by Sir Thomas Beecham, and since then has become a popular item in the repertory of the British National Opera Company.
The incident round which it is constructed is a simple one. Phoebus, the Sun-god, disputes with Pan, God of the Woodlands, as to which of them is the better singer. They hold a contest, in which other gods act as counsel and judges, and Phoebus, with his divine song, is proclaimed victor.
The Opening Chorus, by Phoebus, Pan, and the assembled gods, with shepherds, nymphs, and a crowd of onlookers, is simply a means of starting the ball a-rolling.

The Sacred Festival Drama, Parsifal, was Wagner's last work. In it he treats of the legendary relic of the Eucharist, the Holy Grail (the cup which was used at the Last Supper, and in which the Saviour's blood was received at the Crucifixion),
In the Grail Scene, the Love Feast, or Communion of the Knights who guard the Holy Grail, is celebrated, and the Grail is unveiled.