ROYAL MALE CHOIR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 125, 29 May 1931, Page 3

ROYAL MALE CHOIR.

OUTSTANDING FIRST CONCERT

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE,

In the presence of tlieir Excellencics the Governor-General, Lord Bleclisloe and Lady Bledisloe, and before a large audience, the Royal Auckland Choir opened its 1931 season at the Town Hall last night with a very enjoyable programme. Dr. W. E. Thomas had under his baton between sixty and seventy voices, and the works selected gave all sections of the choir an opportunity to display their ability. The committee is to be complimented upon its choice of supporting artists, and especially upon the happy idea of putting on a string quartet, thus providing the necessary variety and change from the chorus work. The choir opened with a part song, "A Border Raid," by Rossini. This was followed by a serenade, "Holy Calm and Stillness," in which Mr. A. G. Fogerty's pure tenor voice was heard to advantage against a bouche fermee accompaniment. Hammond's stirring cantata, "Lochinvar," was the big event of the evening. This fine work received a vigorous rendition, the basses being especially good, although they were inclined to over-shadow the tenors at times. The incidental solos in this work were taken by Messrs. H. S. Reynolds and Len Barnes. The two part songs, "The Voice of the Forest" and "Soldier's Rest" gave an opportunity for some expressive part singing, which was made the most of. The delicate pianissimo singing by the choir in the two lullabies, "Hush" and "Sleep, Gentle Lady," was most delightful. The choir's concluding number, "In Vocal Combat," in which tne tenors sing "Then You'll Remember. Me," whilst the basses are singing "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," made a fitting finale to a good all-round performance. Both the conductor and the choir merit congratulation upon the very fine chorus work given during the evening. The attacks and releases were good, while the contrasting lights and shades were given full recognition. Dr. Thomas had his forces well under control, and the members, of the choir all gave an immediate response to his decisive beat, whilst singing con amore. Miss Molly Atkinson has both a nice fresh mezzo soprano voice and temperament, as well as a good stage presence. Her choice of songs was "Softly Awakes! My Heart," from "Samson and Delilah," | and "A Mood," bracketed with "A Night Idyll." Miss Atkinson was well received by the audiencc, and had to respond to well deserved recalls for all her numbers. Mr. Len. Barnes, who is well known as one of the leading baritones in the Dominion, sang Mozart's lively "Madamina," a song which gave both the singer and the accompanist a chance to excel. This is a fine song, and it was well sung. Michael Head's "The Sea Gipsy" was Mr. Barnes' second choice. As encore numbers he sang "Mandalay" and the old favourite, "Will o' the Wisp," a song that pleased the audience. The Savage Club string quartet, Messrs. F. Parsons, H. Hayes, S. Slater and M. Adams played movements from two string quartets, "Serenata," by Mozart, and the Allegro from the Beethoven Opus 18, No. 4. Mozart's flowing and melodious music made an instant appeal to the audience, which appreciated the Beethoven movement as well. These were weir played, the players maintaining a good ensemble throughout. It would be trite to say that "Mr. Cyril Towsey accompanied with his usual good taste and ability." Auckland audiences are so accustomed to expect an artistic accompaniment from Mr. Towsey, that the very case of his accomplishment is inclined to make them regard it as a matter of course.

The hall-was very cold and draughty, and some attention to the "light and shade" therein—especially the shade— would be welcomed by all.