CHORAL UNION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 280, 15 August 1918, Page 7

CHORAL UNION

BENEFIT rEM'ORMA.NX'i: OF "ELIJAH." Mendelssohn's "Elijah" was performed by the Wellington Choral Union in tho Town Ball last night as a complimentary benefit to the veteran conductor, Mr. Ilobert I'arkei'. Forty years have elapsed since Mr. Parker made his initial appearance as a conductor in this city, and tho debt that the music-loving section of the community owes him would not be discharged by many such compliments. Tho performance was a fitting tributo from tho Choral Union, the youngest of tho local musical organisations, in fact if not in tradition, sinco Air. Parker was the first, conductor to present "Elijah" to a, Wellington audience. That was four decades ago, and there were more than a few people present last night in whose minds the splendid music of the great oratorio is associated intimately with Mr. Parker. Ho has been the leading_ figure in choral circles in this part of New Zealand during all the intervening years, and, though his impending retirement is- now announced, tho large audienco that assembled in the Town Hall last night undoubtedly took away with it iv hops that he had not conducted "Elijah" for the last time. Mr. Parker's' hand has not lost its cunning. Ha may have controlled hotter choruses in the past—indeed, as far as tho 'male voices are concerned there can be no doubt on that point at all—but ho has never done his own part of tho work better. Tho performance as a whole was a thoroughly enjoyable one. Mr.'John Prouse, whose singing as the Prophet has been recognised to be of outstanding merit ever since ho first" took tho part thirty years ago, was in fine voice, and the applause that rewarded his efforts was warm and spontaneous. It is enough to say that he maintained his own very high standard. Madame Bella Bussell, of Auckland, .was the soprano. She has a welldeveloped voice of attractive quality, clea,r'and sweet in the upper register. Her singing was sympathetic and effective. Miss Mina Caldow, contralto, used her strong ' and well-controlled voice to good advantage. Her singing in tho subdued air at the qlose of the first part of tho oratorio was particularly pleasing. The tenor, Mr. Martin Duif, 'was not free always from a hint of nasal intonation, hut his work generally was satisfactory. Miss 2s". Lanks'henr ussiated capably in tho trio, "Lift Thine Byes." Tho chorus did its work on the whole with credit to .its members as well as.to the conductor. It' was - generally alert, responsive to control, and strong in attack. It gavo tho stirring number, "Thanks Bo To C-iod," with inspiriting vigour, and, although it showed certain weaknesses at times, the broad impression left by its work was a pleasant one. The orchestra, -with Mr. H. 11. Tomta as leader, supported principals and chorus efficiently. Mr. C. Kerry was tho organist.