The Phoenix Singers

Press, 7 March 1984, Page 4

The Phoenix Singers

The Phoenix Singers, presented by the Christchurch Festival, atW State Trinity Centre, March 6, 1.10 pja. Reviewed by Philip the cultural traffic into Christchurch stems from points north. Visiting groups from the south are rare; jn this, it was,, a pleasure to attend a lunchtime recital yesterday by a 16voice choir from Ashburton. The Phoenix Singers, conducted by Malcolm Hopwood, presented a mixed “DomMy,” through an aria

and chorus form Handel’s "Judas Maccabaeus,” and the closing chorus of Purcell’s "Dido and Aeneas,” to a rather pedestrian arrangement of the saccharine “Love is Blue.” A warm and friendly atmosphere prevailed as the soft-toned choir delivered each item with delicate ease. Clear diction, generally . secure pitching and an equ--Vable balance between the vcnces are' all happy characteristics of this obviously I well-drilled choir. Special ■mention must be made of ; Jse piano work by John i /-Wilkinson, whose aocumpan-

iments were at all times sensitive and assured. Whße the various solos and trio work taken by members of the choir were perhaps not as satisfying as the ensemble singing, it was pleasing to see that so many of the choristers were capable of performing with confidence in an exposed setting. Ann Robinson’s presentation of the songs “Pigeons” and “Supposing” by Ashburton composer E. Margaret Jennings, and Candlla McKenzie’s calm and ooatrolted solo fine in “Bvwsiag jfrayer” were of parttculaftynterest.