"MESSIAH" TO-NIGHT.

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 140, 10 December 1927, Page 7

"MESSIAH" TO-NIGHT.

Probably no work of Handel's Is so wellknown as his oratorio, "Messiah." It abounds' in effective solos and choruses, all of which mako a lasting impression on the listener. During recent years It has been very gratifying to all lovers of true music to witness the very great development on musical matters in r>cw Zealand. In no branch of the art has this I

been moro marked than on that devoted to the exposition of choral music. Whereas six years ago the number of choral societies might almost be counted on the lingers of one hand, now they must total nearly twenty, with new ones constantly being added. The Royal Wellington Choral Union is the largest and most vigorous society. It has invited the Pahnerston North and Levin Societies to Wellington to assist in the "Messiah" production at the Town Hall to-night. Mr. Mauguan Barnett (of Auckland) will be the guest conductor, and he will have a chorus orchestra of over 400 performers under his baton. The soloists engaged are as follow: Soprano, Miss Naomi Whalley; contralto, Mrs. J. E. Ramsey; tenor, Mr. Ernest M'Klnlay; and baritone, Mr. Barry Coney. The doors will opeu at f1.15 and the oratorio conclude about 10.30.