Cook pupils’ recital

Press, 31 August 1985, Page 8

Cook pupils’ recital

Song recital by pupils of Clifton Cook, at the Great Hall, Arts Centre, Friday, August 30, at 1.10 p.m. Reviewed by Roger Flury., Clifton Cook has an enviable reputation as a trainer of young voices. This lunchtime recital, designed to show the talents of seven pupils, proved once again that he knows exactly how to coax a voice to maturity. Matthew Hume and Jared Holt were the youngest artists, but, both revealed treble voices which were startingly mature and thankfully free of piping and hooting. _ A voting tenor, Mark lavendale, looked rather awkward on stage, but sang with sweet, unforced tone.

He caressed the words, but was tempted to croon a little. However, this is a voice with potential. Eleanor Sim, the only female singer, sounded rather tentative. Her choice of songs by Spohr and Quilter made me think that she is investigating the wrong repertoire. Similarly, the Italianate tones of Peter Banen’s experienced tenor were not quite at home in the songs of Duparc. Full marks, however, for singing them in French.

Andrew Dailey and Michael Jackson are basses of very different timbre, but both showed a confidence, poise and professionalism that belied their years. Andrew Dailey chose two

Handel arias which suited him well. Technically, he was in command, and we were left to enjoy the drama of the music.

Michael Jackson may never make as much money as his famous namesake, but he possesses a beautiful, true bass voice which he used intelligently. Perhaps next time he will have the courage to sing his lieder in German. Mr Cook has reason to be proud of his pupils. They came through the concert with flying colours, helped in no small part by their teacher’s sensitive and supportive accompaniments. The future of singing in Christchurch certainly looks rosy.