Fresh singing by Harmonic Society

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32789, 14 December 1971, Page 18

Fresh singing by Harmonic Society

The Christchurch Harmonic Society repeated its carol programme in the Civic Theatre last evening. Although the temperature in the hall was high and the choir members have been working very hard lately, the singing was fresh and of good tone and blend. In fact, the choir seemed to have rather more vitality than on Saturday evening. The concert was sponsored by the Rothmans Cultural Foundation.

Whether he is directing a simple composition or a complicated work, Mr William Hawkey always gives careful and searching directions towards producing a stylish and well-unified performance. And so it was at this concert Each interpretation had an individuality suited to its intrimsic needs of colour, speed, and expression. While there was not uniform musical interest in each of the carols, each was made to yield all the interest it had. Miss Nan Anderson and Mr George Martin played the accompaniments with verve and vitality on piano and organ respectively.

The Shirley Boys’ High School Choir, conducted by Mr A. B. Robson and accompanied by Mrs E. Patterson, sang “Infant Holy,” a Polish carol arranged by David Willcocks; “The Sussex Carol”; an excellent arrange-

ment by Peterson of “Unto Us a Boy is Bom”; and "Three Kings from Virgin Land’s Afar” with Kevin Knight as soloist and with a clarinet obligato played by Mark Walton.

These were very well-con-trolled items most pleasant to hear. The senior boys sang with clear words and forward tone. The treble boys produced clear tone that had life and carrying power. The tone from both sections was somewhat pushed and strained in “Unto Us a Boy is Bom.” The choir of the Avonside Girls’ High School, conducted by Miss B. Brosnan, and accompanied by Mrs R. Lloyd, the musical director of the school, sang four canticles of the Virgin Mary. Additional instrumental accompaniment

was provided by Sarah Benzies, Donna Reiche, Janine Roberts, and Heather Adcock. These songs had devotional atmosphere and attractive harmonic idiom. They were very well sung with gentlyflowing tone, careful phrasing, and with expressive nuances. The accompaniment work was balanced, of very good tonal quality, and blended well with the voices. Christine Smith sang a solo part with clear tone and good understanding of the style of the music.