THIS took place in Haberdashers’ Hall, on Thursday, July 4, when the Gresham Prize Medal, for the best composition in sacred vocal music, was presented to Mr. K. J. Pye, whose successful work is an Anthem for five voices, ‘Turn thee again, O Lord!’ This was sung before a respectable company assembled on the occasion, among whom were Lord Burghersh, Sir John Rogers, Bart., Sir Robert Fitzwygram, Bart., Alderman Copeland, M.P., &c., who acted as directors. A small band, led by Sig. Spagnoletti, was engaged, and the following appropriate compositions were performed after the anthem:—

Then, after a short interval, the subjoined pieces were sung by a professional party who attended for the purpose, Mr. Novello officiating as conductor:—

And Mr. Distin performed on the trumpet the voice part of the ‘Soldier tired of War’s alarms,’ from Artaxerxes, in which he displayed an extraordinary command over this difficult instrument.

CATHEDRAL MUSIC.—GRESHAM PRIZE MEDAL.

A GOLD MEDAL, of five guineas value, will be annually awarded by DR. CROTCH, Professor of Music in the University of Oxford; R. J. S. STEVENS, Esq. Professor of Music in Gresham College; and WILLIAM HORSLEY, Esq. Mus. Bac. Oxford; for the best original composition in Sacred Vocal Music, either Hymn or Anthem.

The words to be selected from the Canonical Scriptures, Apocrypha, or Liturgy of the church of England, and to be set for three, four, or five voices, with a separate part for the organ.

The music to be entirely new; and one composition only to be sent in by each candidate.

Each composition to be distinguished by a motto. A sealed paper, inclosing the composer’s name and address, to be endorsed with the same motto.

The successful composition will remain the property of the author. The unsuccessful candidates may receive back their compositions, on producing a written copy of the motto.

The candidates are to send their compositions, in score, fairly written out, to the Gresham Lecture Room, at the Royal Exchange, before the end of October, on any Wednesday in Term, between the hours of twelve and two. Or they may be left in the care of Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co., Booksellers, Cornhill; or of Mr. J. A. Novello, 67, Frith-street, Soho, by whom they will be duly forwarded, and who will give any further information that may be required.

It is intended to hold the next Commemoration on Saturday, June 7, 1834, being the Anniversary of the Day on which Sir Thomas Gresham laid the First Stone of the Royal Exchange.