Concert Given By Student Teachers

Press, Volume C, Issue 29682, 28 November 1961, Page 19

Concert Given By Student Teachers

Students of the Teachers' College gave an instrumental, choral and operatic recital in their hall last evening. There was a large attendance. The programme began with the college orchestra, augmented by members of the Christchurch Youth Orchestra, playing Gluck’s Overture to ‘lphigenia in Aulis.” Mr R. E. Perks conducted and the playing was expressive, well-controlled in phrasing and rhythmical. Leads were taken up smartly and it all seemed to have been carefully rehearsed. The Post-primary Students’ Choir, conducted by R. Wrighton, sang a setting of “Alleulia" composed by C. B. Powell—a student at the college. The accompaniment was played by brass instruments and the balance was not altogether satisfactory. Philippa Harding conducted her composition, “Wild Iron.” This work had an interesting harmonic texture, well suited to voices, and it was dramatically sung with good tonal effect* Mr Perks conducted Macpherson’s arrangement of- "Shepherds’ Cradle Song.” The tonal quality was well controlled and a good balance was secured. A Magnificat by Bach was sung with clarity and brightness. The orchestra played Bizet’s “L’Arlesienne Suite” producing attractive woodwind effects, careful shading and delicate string playing, as well as robust sounds in a colourful performance. Suppe’s "Light Cavalry” Overture gave the players opportunity for vigour and elan, and for some deftly expressive playing. It was a large orchestra, and conditions were somewhat cramped, but full credit must be given for the standard reached. The college choral group, conducted by Mr Keith Newson, produced tone which had vitality and colour in “Happy O Happy” and “Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow.” by Mozart. The choir then gave a performance of a cantata, “Barbara Freitchie.” written for the college by Mr Cha. es Martin. It was sung with clarity and dramatic effect. Rhythmic Figures Rhythmic figures in the negro spiritual, “I Hear a Voice a-Prayin’,” were skilfully handled. Menotti’s delightful Christmas opera, “Amain and the Night Visitors,” was performed in the second half of the programme. It was produced by Mias Nancy Caughley and conducted by Mr Newson. The college orchestra, slightly augmented, played the accompaniment and congratulations must be given to tile conductor and the players for the sensitive

' playing of this expressive and beautiful music. This playing was extraordinarily praiseworthy. Although the part of Amahl should be played by a boy, it could hardly be expected that one would be found at the Teachers’ College with an unbroken voice. Vivienne North played the part of this crippled boy, whose lameness is miraculously cured when he offers his crutch as a gift to be taken to the Christ Child. She acted the part with understanding and sensibility and sang most acceptably. Susan Jones, as the poverty - stricken widowed mother, was convincing and acted with sympathy. Her voice was rather light in its lower register but effective on the top notes. Russell Hay, Jolyon Stewart and Dion Maddock were colourful figures as the Three Kings and acted well, but their voices lacked vitality. Brian Appleyard was their page. Members of the college choral club were the shepherds and villagers and sang very charmingly. The girls who did the shepherds’ dance were natural in movement and this scene was highly attractive. The setting was simple but convincing; and the whole production moved smoothly and was obviously most skilfully rehearsed. The opera was successful and attractive, and all concerned in it deserve high credit for their efforts. There will be another performance this evening. —C.F.B.