Elgar work in Town Hall

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33067, 7 November 1972, Page 10

Elgar work in Town Hall

Sir Edward Elgar’s great masterpiece, “The Dream of Gerontius,” has been chosen by the Royal Musical Society as its first subscription concert in the Town Hall on Saturday, November 25. The society has performed this work previously, first in 1930 and again in 1966, twice when two performances were given in the Civic Theatre. "The Dream of Gerontius” demands a big orchestra, and the Christchurch Civic Orchestra will number nearly 60 players for this performance. It will be led as usual by Louis Yffer. There will be a choir of more than 200. and for the members it will be the climax of another very crowded year. The conductor will be Robert Field-Dodgson. Once again the Sydney contralto, Lauris Elms will be soloist This will be the fifth time she has crossed the Tasman to sing with the society. In addition to these appearances she sang with the society in two performances of the Verdi “Re-

quiem” in Sydney last year. The role of the Priest will be sung by the Wanganui bass, Maurice Taylor, who sang the bass solos in last year’s performances of "Messiah” by the society. He also sang in the society’s first subscription concert this year and in the performances of “The Damnation of Faust” in July. The important role of Gerontius will be sung by the Christchurch-born tenor, Richard Greager. He began his career as a soloist with the Royal Musical Society in “St Matthew Passion” in 1966 and appeared a number of times with the society in 1967-68, notably in the 1967 performances of Beethoven’s "Missa Solemnis.” For the last few years Richard Greager has been living in Melbourne, and has won the “Sun Aria” contests in both Sydney and Melbourne. This performance will be during a short stay here on his way to further his studies in Europe. Mr Greager will be heard again by a Christchurch audience on December 6, when the R.C.M.S. will sponsor a benefit concert for him in the James Hay Theatre.