"PATRONS' FUND"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 217, 13 September 1944, Page 9

"PATRONS' FUND"

MUSICIANS* SOCIETY CONCERT Six young musical artists—five singers and a pianist—-were given the opportunity to be heard in public last night when the second "Patrons' Fund" concert given under the auspices of the Auckland ! branch of the Society of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand, was held in the Lewis Eady Hall. There was a large attendance and the programme had been tastefully arranged, the first -half being devoted to classics and the second to modern composers. Gav Williams, mezzosoprano, opened with Bach's "Wer't Thou But Near" and lieder by Wolf and Grieg. In these she displayed a full voice with warm tone, and clear diction. Miss Williams also gave pleasing renditions of songs by Puccini and Rachmaninoff. She, however, showed in these a tendency at times to "wobble" slightly on held notes, while her platform deportment was much too constrained. Andrew Gold gave a fine interpretation to "Handel's moving air, "Total Eclipse," from "Samson." This most promising young tenor created a very favourable impression by reason of his excellent quality of tone, dear enunciation, intelligent interpretations and easy delivery, all features of his presentations, which also included Hahn's "L'Heure Exquise," and the traditional song "Lord Randal." Phyllis Littler, soprano, and Lorna Littler, mezzo-soprano, sang vocal duets in an ingratiating manner. Both singers had pleasant voices, which blended euphoniously, while their synchronisation was perfect. Rita Sangar, a lyric soprano, with a I . light and flexible voice, delightfully pure and true, sang compositions by Handel. Schumann, Grieg and Cyril Scott, with much expression and a nice regard for nuance. Her stage manner was too rigid, however. Joyce Motion, pianist, was heard first in Chopin's "Ballade in G Minor." Lacking" confidence at first, she was uruible to do complete justice to herself or her composition, but she was heard to better I advantage in her second group, comprisI ing works by Granados and Smetana. Mrs. I Reginald Reed was a satisfying accom-