"MERRIE ENGLAND"

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 30, 4 August 1925, Page 8

"MERRIE ENGLAND"

KAEITANE FUND BENEFIT. Preparations for the performance of i "Merrie England" at the Town Hall on I Saturday evening are nearing complej tion, and the rehearsals indicate that the entertainment will, from the musical point of view, be a complete success. The Terrace Congregational Choir, under the conductorship of, Mr. Len Barnes, has been considerably strengthened for the performance, and is described as being in excellent form. "MerrU England," one of the beat known works of the popular English composer Edward German, tells a pretty story of. a romantic episode in which Queen Elizabeth and the famous and picturesque Walter Raleigh are involved, and German's music is entirely appropriate. The characters of the principal figures^ are reflected in the composition of their songs, and the incidental music is tuned to tha period. Solos, quartettes, and other items capable of enjoyment out of their context abound in the opera, an 3 have made much of the music widely familiar; and those who know some of these pieces will be interested to hear them woven into the fabric of the complete work. ' Mrs. Alice Harris, soprano, is chosen as the heroine, Bessie Throckmorton, and Miss Lily Mackie's contralto voice is well suited by the songs of Queen Elizabeth "and Jill-all-Alone. Mr. Arthur Coe, tenor, sings the part of Sir Walter Raleigh, and Mr. E. A. Bradshaw, a Christchurch baritone, takes that of the Earl of Essex—a role which affords room for considerable display. Miss Gwen Wing and- Mr. Alec Mill, playing two pianos, will provide the accompaniments and the incidental music. Among the latter is a wellknown and highly popular "Rustic Dance and Jig." The performance is being given in aid of the Karitane Hospital Fund.