CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT South Brighton Group

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28413, 21 October 1957, Page 19

CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT South Brighton Group

* The South Brighton Choral | Society, conducted by Mr Victor ' Ellena. gave a concert in the j Power Boat Club Hall on Fridav ievening. The hall was filled, and many persons came from lar afield and were well rewarded for doing so by a most pleasant evening's entertainment. There was an air of natural goodfellowship and a refreshing freedom from arty sophistication. The choir, which responds so carefully to Mr Ellena's directions about phrasing and expression, sang two groups of songs rhythmically, with good intonation and enunciation, and with a pleasant blending of tone. The women of the choir sang two songs and then the men had their turn. These were not quite as successful as the items by the full choir, but they gave the singers useful experience and made quite I useful items.

Mr John Forrest sang two groups of songs. The first group was caviare to the general on such an occasion, but some folk songs, in which he accompanied himself on a guitar, were delightful. Mr Forrest has, in addition to a voice of charming quality, a great gift of imaginative interpretation. His clarity of enunciation is exemplary. The Gregorian String Ensemble, which played so attractively at a recent concert in the university, played Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.” Intonation was excellent and there were shape and expression in the playing These players showed their versatality and usefulness by playing the accompaniment to “Trial by Jury” It was alertly and competently played. The singing and production of this tittle Gilbert and Sullivan opera were a great credit to all concerned. There were vitality and precision and plenty of gaiety in this court of misrule.

Neil Buchanan, singing clearly and with pleasant tone, was a competent and understandably harassed Court Usher. John Forrest acted very well and sane splendidly as the Defendant, and Janie Sealby was an attractive Plaintiff, with Graeme Wright as her painstaking and bewildered Counsel. Donald Jack, who has a very beautiful baritone voice of much more than average promise was excellent in the part of the Judge.

Minor parts were competently performed by Alastair Graham. J W. Thompson, and G. Robinson. Elaine Patterson was a hardworked and adequate accompanist. —C.F.B.