OPERATIC RECITAL.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20919, 28 July 1933, Page 9

OPERATIC RECITAL.

FINE PRESENTATION BY MR W. H. DIXON. A high note in artistic interpretation was struck by the pupils of Mr W. H. Dixon, in a presentation of songs from the operas at St. Matthew's Hall last evening. Scenes were performed from seven operas: "Tannhauser," "Faust," "II Trovatore," "La Boheme," "Pagliacci," "Carmen," and "Cavalleria Rusticana," and a keenly interested audience showed its approval of the hard work which must have been put in to make the evening so successful. Mr W. H. Dixon, in his opening remarks, said that he would endeavour to give the audience a fuller appreciation of the arias by telling the story of the operas. This he did briefly before each interpretation. Of the performers, Mr John Thompson made a most expressive Mephistopheles in the duet with Marguerita from "Faust." Mr Robert Sampson as Canio In "Pagliacci" was a surprise, singing with emotion and restraint, while Misses Kathleen Chappie, Hilda Hutt, and Nellie Billcliff all acquitted themselves well. It would be well, however, if performers memorised the words of their songs. The following were the assisting artists:—Mesdames Wilfred Owen and Nelson Kerr, Misses F. Simm, J. Cooper, C. Scott, Nellie Billcliff, Adele Innes, Hilda Hutt, Kathleen Chappie, and Jean Scott; Messrs R. Sampson, J. Thompson, J. Kidson, and A. Billcliff. The accompanists were Miss Gladys Beaton and Mr J. Corbett. After the concert the Rev. J. F. Feron expressed thanks to Mr Dixon and also to those who had assisted him in the presentation. The vestrymen and their wives provided supper for the party.