Fine Performances At Carol Concert

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31234, 5 December 1966, Page 18

Fine Performances At Carol Concert

The Christchurch Harmonic Society gave its annual carol concert in the Civic Theatre on Saturday evening. As is usual, the choirs of the Christchurch Girls and Boys’ High Schools were associated with the concert. The society sang groups of carols throughout the programme instead of using just the second half of the performance for its items. This was a definite improvement on arrangements of past years.

The programme, although slightly too long, was thoroughly attractive and the society, for its part, gave us a nicely judged mixture of famiilar and not-so-well-known carols. It was interesting to hear a group of carols composed by Christchurch composers. “Torches” by John Ritchie and “Wither’s Rocking Hymn” by Brian Barrett—the one very merry and the other having the gentle atmosphere of a cradle carol—were delightful and had authentic atmosphere and form. “Lullay My Liking” was ingeniously set by Dorothy Buchanan. These are not easy words to set, but the music fitted them charmingly. Anita Ritchie sang the quite complicated solo with confidence and graceful ease. “Of the dark past, a Child is born” was set for women’s voices and was sung by the Chorale members with polished elegance. Both of these works would be more accurately considered anthems rather than carols. David Sell’s “A Huron Carol" had vigorous and weHknit writing, but it was not easy to hear the words. This was the main fault with the singing of the society, for, except in well-known carols, members’ words were far from distinct However, they always conveyed clear atmosphere and their expression and tone were of exemplary standard.

The society chorale, a group of about 25 picked singers, sang a group of carols by contemporary British composers with a flexibility and refinement of artistry that was a joy to hear. Every tiny nuance came with the finest balance and grading of tone and expression, and there was polished and unanimous response to Mr Hawkey’s detailed direction. The full choir also showed Mr Hawkey’s artistic training and gave a model of disciplined singing, producing thrilling ensembles and splendidly graded balance in expression. Shirley Finlayson Was outstanding when singing the solo part in “The Three Kings” by Cornelius. She undertook the task at the last moment and sang with attractive tone and delicate phrasing. It was by no means an easy solo.

The choir of “the Christchurch Boys’ High School,

conducted by Mr Clifton Cook, sang a varied programme with well-produced tone and with confidence in leads and endings. The senior boys had the resonant and full-bodied tone which Mr Cook produces from them, giving a maturity of sound beyond their years. The treble choir had a pleasing timbre produced with ease and freedom. They sang a delightful Mexican carol called “A Little Bull.” It aptly illustrates the saying that “a little bull goes a long away.” Christopher Piper and Alan Forsyth sang solos with confidence and good understanding. Brian Shillito played the accompaniments with strongly supporting tone and rhythmic drive. The fourth form choir and a special choir from the Christchurch Girls’ High School were conducted by Miss K. J. Osborne. Their work showed an exceedingly high and thoroughly delightful standard of performance. The tone had a rich smoothness, was well supported and flexible, and was produced easily and with immaculate intonation. Their words were clear and their rhythm was crisp, decisive, and had a relaxed and natural flow. In balance of parts they showed an experience that comes usually only from long association and constant rehearsal, and the clarity of the inner parts showed a rare expertise. Miss Osborne, Barbara Caygill, who played the accompaniments with sensitive regard for every refinement in the interpretations, and each girl in the choirs deserve the highest praise for their outstanding musical teamwork. The concert was sponsored by Rothmans, Ltd. —C.F.B.