SPLENDID CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 86, 13 April 1931, Page 5

SPLENDID CONCERT.

AUCKLAND MUNICIPAL CHOrR. There was a very poor attendance at the Town Hall on Saturday evening, when the Municipal Choir gave its first concert of the year. Only about 300 people were present, although the microphone on the stage indicated many unseen listeners. The choir and its conductor, Mr. Maughan Barnett, are very enthusiastic about their concerts, and this performance was excellent. The well-chosen programme consisted of choral and organ numbers, mainly British in origin. The pieces ranged from old -English folk compositions to folk-songs and modern ballad-music Religious and operatic pieces were also given. Mustering 60 voices, the choir was called upon to sing pieces well within their capabilities, and did so splendidly, despite the faet that they were singing in a hall almost devoid of people. The old madrigal, "When Flow'ry Meadows," by Palestri'na, was followed by "How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings Fair" (Brahms), the organ accompaniment for which was played by Mr. Edgar Randal. A contrast was provided by the folk-Bongs "Milking Song" and "Mahnin Veen," arranged by Bantock and Vaughan Williams respectively, and a good finale was provided by the gay piece, "London Town." by Edward German, Miss Doris Braiisgrove was the soloist of the evening, and her fine soprano voice was heard to advantage in "Carmena," by Lane Wilson, "Rejoice," by Mascagni, and "A Birthday," by Woodman. Mr. Leo Whittaker was Miss Bransgrove's accompanist. A happy selection of organ music was played by Mr. Maughan Barnett, who played "Trumpet Piece and Poco Allegro," by Purcell, a dainty gavotte by Gossee, and "Romanza and Finale," by Peace, which gave him a chance to use the full power of the organ. His final number was the popular "Faust" ballet number.