Concert By B.H.S. Pupils

Press, Volume C, Issue 29625, 22 September 1961, Page 13

Concert By B.H.S. Pupils

A large group of boys from the Christchurch Boys’ High School, directed by Mr Clifton Cook, gave a concert in the University Hall yesterday afternoon.

i The programme began with Chapman's setting of “Let All the World" in which good full-bodied tone was heard and the treble voices blended well with those of the older boys. There was good legato singing by the boys whose voices have changed, in Parry's “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind.’’ The quality of tone produced by these boys is very good faded. “Oklahoma” was sung with great spirit and gusto, and a group of works, written for the Boys’ High School by Dr. Vernon Griffiths, was sung charmingly with artistic attention to detail. In precision, tonal quality, and , in expression the singers all did commendable work. The second part of the pro- ; gramme consisted of orchesi tral work and here, too. Mr Cook has given the boys ex- ' cellent training apd helpful directions fa performance. ’ Both tone and intonation 1 were of high standard in the string playing and the woodwind and brass, on the whole, played with efficiency. ' Richard Warnock was the ' soloist in Alec Rowley’s “Miniature Concerto for ' Piano." He played with lively 1 tone and intelligent phrasing 1 The balance was satisfactory and the work had shape and interest. Mr Cook played the solo ; violin part in the Andante , from Lalo’s “Symphonic Es~ ’ paniole” and gave a per-'

formance marked with plenty of romantic feeling. Anthony Cornish conducted with splendid control. John Jennings, who did sterling work as accompanist for the choirs, played the solo part in an arrangement of the first movement of Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto. He played with assurance and excellent technical security, and showed true feeling for style and atmosphere. There was a large audience and the programme was warmly received. —C.F.B.