THE "MESSIAH."

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 300, 19 December 1930, Page 16

THE "MESSIAH."

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE

CHORAL SOCIETY'S SUCCESS

IS T ot for many years nave the people of Auckland enjoyed so spirited' ami uplifting- a peitorniaiice of the "Messiah" as that which evoked-the warmest appreciation from a very large audience at the Town Hall last evening. On this occasion the Auckland Choral Society was augmented by the Auckland Male Choir and by members of district choirs, while in their turn the singers had splendid assistance from an excellent orchestra and the city organist. Not only for soloists, choir, orchestra and organ was the performance a triumph, but also for the conductor, Mr. Colin Muston, who has never seemed more certain of his resources than when drawing out last evening the alternating strength and beauty of, Handel's great oratorio. It was a happy thought of Mr. Huston's. at the opening of the concert to lead choir and audience through the first verse of "0, Come All Ye Faithful," .thus evoking- in all the rightful spirit of the occasion. The soloists were Miss Kate Campion (soprano), Madame Irene Ainslcy (contralto), Mr. Gordon Fagan (tenor) and Mr. Geoffrey Colledge (bass). They acquitted themselves with uniform distinction, alternating feelingly with choir and orchestra as they unfolded the matchless story of the Redeemer, opening with the far off notes of prophecy, swelling to tones of adoration, vibrating to the heart cry of humanity for the "Despised and Rejected of Men," rising' in a crescendo of assurance to the majestic song of triumph in the "Hallelujah" chorus. Miss Kate Campion's numbers greatly pleased and won for her i hearty applause after each rising. Clarity of voice, beauty of expression, and perfect enunciation were features of her work. "Rejoice Greatly, 0 (Daughter of Zion" and "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" were outstanding, and received renderings which distinctly and artistically expressed the Handel music. Madame Irene Ainsley lent strength to tho performance by her iine voice and artistry, which were particularly .pronounced in the compassionate numbers for which the contralto is responsible. Her sonorous voice was heard to line advantage- in "He Was Despised." Both soprano and contralto voices were beautifully effective in "He Shall Feed His Flock." Mr. Fagan sang with sympathy tho tenor solos and established himself assuredly from his opening numbers, "Comfort Ye, ' V- People" and "Every Valley." Later he was very warmly applauded for hie "He That Dwelleth In Heaven" and "Thou Shall Break Them." The bass solos were ably performed by Mr. Colledge, each rendering being nicely sustained and delightfully expressive. "The Trumpet Shall Sound," of which a thrilling feature was the magnificent trumpet solo, raised the audience to a high plane -of enjoyment. The choir sang with enthusiasm and without restraint, improving even as the performance progressed. The sopranos were exceptionally good. The same might also be said of the contraltos, while tenors and basses sang with resounding effect. By rich chording, alert leads, good intonation and expressive and dramatic singing the choir afforded unbounded pleasure to the appreciative audience. The performance of the orchestra, led by Miss Edith Whitelaw, evoked admiration. Mr. Mauffhan Barnett, at the grand organ, contributed greatly to the success of the memorable performance.