"THE MESSIAH"

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 153, 26 December 1918, Page 7

"THE MESSIAH"

A highly successful repeat performance of "The Messiah" was-given by the Wellington Choral Union in the Town Hall last evening, the body of the hall being well filled for the occasion. The production, considering that the strength of the chorus had been reduced throngh many of the members. beinp; absent on holiday, was eminently satisfactory, and was much appreciated by the audience, who applauded heartily throughout. The soloists were the same as .on Saturday evening, with the exceptions that' Mrs. Driisy Basham, of Waipukuran, sang the contralto solos in the absence of Miss Mina Caldow, who had an engagement in. Auckland. Mrs Basham, who has twice figured as a principal in the Auckland Choral Society's product tions, proved herself to Wellington lovers of "music to be possessed of a rich contralto voice, and with a knowledge of how to use it. Her singing of "He Shall Feed His Flock" was exceedingly artistic, but even more so was that of "He Was Despised," which, she saw? with excellent expression, and for which she received well deserved and hearty applause. The Temaining soloists— Madame Bella Russell (soprano),' Mr. Sydney Butler (tenor), and Mr. John Prouse (bass) —were all in good form, and merited the recognition bestowed on them. The chorus distinguished itself in its singing of the "Hallelujah Clhorus," and the same may be «aid of the orchestra in its rendering of the Pastoral symphony. Mr Robert Parker conducted with his usual ability, while Mr. Temple White's work on the organ was excellent. ■