CHORAL RECITAL

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24736, 29 November 1945, Page 3

CHORAL RECITAL

CHRISTCHURCH JUNIOR SOCIETY Dozens of boys and girls with young, fresh, and unspoiled voices joined joyously in song last evening when the Christchurch Junior Choral Society gave a recital in- the Civic Theatre. This society, 'founded in 1941 by its honorary conductor, Mr G. M. Martin, can be regarded as a recruiting ground for young choristers in Christchurch, for it gives its members training in choral singing- until they are old enough to join the senior choral societies.

From the moment that they opened the programme with the negro spiritual "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," the young choristers showed now much they enjoyed their singing. They sang freely and happily, and gave instant obedience to every sign and movement by their conductor. Their enthusiasm soon communicated itself to the audience, which was insistent in its demand for encores, and rose to its feet for the magnificent singing of the "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's "Messiah."

Most popular in the first half of the orogramme were the rollicking "John Peel." and the amusing story in song of how "Little Tommy Went a-Fish-ing." Other young singers who helped to make the evening enjoyable were the members of the Waltham School Choir under the baton of Mr Keith Newson. who also conducted a string orchestra in several numbers.

The second half of the programme opened with two orchestral. numbers, "Overture in B Flat," by Schubert, and the minuet and trio from Haydn's "Surprise Symphony." The choir followed with "Nightfall in Skye" by Roberton, Elgar's "It's Oh! To be a Wild Wind." and "The Ash Grove," a traditional air arranged by Dr. Vernon Griffiths. Diana Alabone was the soloist with the Waltham School Choir in Schubert's "To Wander," and after two other traditional airs, "Rain in May." and "The. Hunter in His Career," the society's choir completed the programme with "Robin Adair." and "Richmond Hijl." the arrangements being by Dr. Griffiths.