OPENING CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 116, 19 May 1939, Page 10

OPENING CONCERT.

ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. INTEREST IX< J PROG RAM ME. A large audience enjoyed a wellselectcl and varied programme of part songs and other choral works last night, in the Town Hall Concert Chamber, the occasion being the Royal Auckland

Choir's opening concert of the season, additional interest being given to the programme by the inclusion of some compositions performed by the society for the first time. Instead of opening with the customary National Authem, the choir sang "God Defend New Zealand,'' a setting by John J. Woods to words by Thomas Bracken.

Following this performance came three chorales from Mendelssohn's "Festgesang." the second of which was the air to which the well-known hvmn,

"Hark, the Herald Angels," is set. The singing of the choir iii these was disappointing. Sung full throatedly, the tone was coarse, while the intonation at times was doubtful. Amends, however, were made later when the singers had

"warmed up'' to their work. In marked contrast to this performance was the line a setting by Percy Fletcher of Charles Kingsley's tragic poem, "Lorraine, Lorraine, Lorree," most expressively sung and with clear-cut diction, the choir singing like one man. Another line performance also was that of Franz Abt's "Oybin," wherein the bass section of the choir was heard to advantage. Particularly charming was Reichardt's

"'riie linage of tile Rose," in which Mr. .Toh 11 O.Malley sang the solo portion to a "bouche fennme'' accompaniment, provided liy the remainder of the choir. Kxcept for a slight tremolo, Mr. O'Mallev, who lias a pleasing tenor voice, sang most tastefully, the final verse having to be repeated in response to much and well-deserved applause.

An interesting eonuiuution was an arrangement of the well-known bass aria, "The Trumpet Shall Sound," its first choral presentation in New Zealand. Also presented for the first time was a beautifully harmonised arrangement, by John E. West, of "The Little Sandman." This was much appreciated. Gounod's expressive "Hymn to Apollo" was delivered with gusto, but also with keen attention to light and shade. Two rollicking numbers, Sullivan's "If Doughty Deeds" and German's "Rolling Down to Rio," concluded an enjoyable programme. Several recall numbers also were sung.

Mr. Harry Woolley conducted with his usual pood taste and obtained from his singers sumo ('leasing interpretations. On the whole, tlie choir sang well. The enunciation was clear and precise, the attacks and releases were crisp, while the tone, more especially in quiet passages, was pleasing. It was noticeable, however, that some members of the choir were inclined to give more attention to their copies than to their conductor.

Assisting the society were Mrs. Harold Owers, Dr. T. de C. Lowe and Mr. 0. Laird. Mrs. Owers. who has a most attractive platform personality as well as a well-trained mezzo-soprano voice, delighted her listeners in her artistic presentation of three contrasted numbers. "One Fine Day'' (PiKvini). "0' That Tt Were So"' (Bridges) and "The Xiahtingale" (Delius), and had to give additional numbers.

Mr. Geoffrey Laird, a younir baritone with a gift for interpretation, sang, with sincerity and excellent diction. "In Summertime on Bredon" (Peel I, "Linden Lea" (Vaughan Williams) and two other numbers. He also gave several extra numbers in response to applause, all very nicely sung. Dr. Trevor de Clive Lowe exhibited considerable restraint in his 'cello numbers, which included "Dirge of the Xorth (Balloch-Tvreisler). "Tarantelle" (Cossman). in which lie displayed much dexterity in execution, and two expressive compositions by Godard. "On the Lake" and "Serenade." To these he added "Rondo"' by Boccl'erini and a charming cradle sonar by H. C'. Luscombe. Mrs. Marjorie Gully accompanied him tastefully. Mr. Alan Pow played the vocal accompaniments with hife' Qsual artistry.