CHORAL SOCIETY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 206, 13 June 1931, Page 2

CHORAL SOCIETY.

AN AMBITIOUS EFFORT.

PRESENTATION OF “FAUST.” Under the conductcrship of Mr W. H. Dixon, the Ashburton Choral Society will present Gounod’s most famous opera. “Faust,” at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday evening. The concert version of the opera will be given, this presentation allowing more scope for orchestral and chorus work than the character version. The story briefly, revolves round the life of Dr. Faust, a philosopher who in anger at his approaching old age, swears that lie would sell his soul to Satan for a renewed youth. Mephistopheles appears and promises to give Faust youth, wealth, and riches if lie will sign away his soul. Faust hesitates, but a vision of a beautiful maiden, Margarita, conjured up by Mephistopheles, decides him, and he is re-incarnated as a handsome young knight. Mephistopletes and Faust mingle with the throngs in the city, where the latter meets Margarita, and instantly falls in love witii her. Siebel, Margarita’s lover, lias been cursed by Mephistopheles. and eVery flower lie touches withers. The love between Faust and Margarita grows, until eventually Faust deserts her. Margarita's brother Valentine returns from the wars, and seeks vengeance from Faust and Mephistopheles. They tight, and Valentine is mortally wounded. Margarita dies in prison, and a heavenly choir announces her assumption to heaven, the opera c<?neluding on the note of all earthly sins being forgiven in heaven. The previous successes of the Society should be a recommendation for this festival, and it is to.be hoped that the public Avill support it. The soloists who have been chosen are all well-known performers, and should ensure the success of the presentation. The soloists are as follow :—Madame Cara Tait (Timaru), Margarita; Miss Gladys Ferguson (Christchurch), Siebel ; Mr Harold Prescott (Christchurch);! Faust, Mr R, J. Laurenson (Ashburton), Valentine; Mr Chas. Clarkeson (Ashburton), Mephistopheles.