MALE CHOIR CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 139, 16 June 1930, Page 3

MALE CHOIR CONCERT

The Wellington Commercial Travellers' Male Voice Choir entertained a large audience lv the Concert Chamber on Saturday night, when the first concert of the 1930 season was given. It was also the choir's debut under the guidance of Mr. John Bishop, and it was a satisfactory introduction In every way. Mr. Bishop's long experience of choral direction was apparent in the conscience and vim with which the choir attacked; the intelligence and sympathy of the interpretations; and the sweet volume of the voices. In parts the choir electrified the audience with the power of its choral strength, ami encores were frequently demanded, and cheerfully given, for there is nothing like genuine applause to encourage and inspire. A beautiful tone picture was "Cairo is the Lake," by Abt, a part song that is characteristic, and when musically expressed by well-balanced voices, presents a littlo cameo of scenic beauty. It was treated with exquisite delicacy, and had lo.be repeated. Dudley Buck's "On the Sea" was more robust, and in keeping with the theme of the part song, there was a rollicking suggestion about the interpretation, as well as realistic storm effect. Humour was in every line of Maurice Jacobson's "Better and Better," which, if not strictly tuneful, had its message of optimism- well sounded by tho male voices. The "Westward Ho" of ChudloiEli CamJlsl; was declaimed with a proper sense of the composer's meaning. Tho smartened tempo of Rutland Boughton's "Quick March" had an instant appeal, and as it was amusing as well, the part song was very popular. . Mr. George 31. Howe's light tenor was heard soaringly in the incidental solo workto "Calm is the Lake." It may be mentioned that the 3core of "Westward Ho" was presented to the choir by Mr. M. S. Galloway, mid that of "Jietter and Better" by Mr. Hugh Wright. The singing of Miss Christina Ormistou was a sheer delight; her cultured soprano voice wheedled all the charm there is in Chaminade's "Summer," her notes being liquid and sweet. Her recalls were the "Cradle rtong" of Brahms, and "Three Little Owlets," the latter a composition utterly charming in conception, and no less pleasing in version. Mr. Will Goudie declaimed, in his well-trained baritone voice, the Prologue to Leoncavello's "Pagliacci," and was even better suited to his encore offering, "Old Barty." The second part of the choir's programme was devoted to the cantata of 3. H. Maunder, "The Martyrs,", and allowing for the limitation of the vocal strength of the choir, the work was consistently good and distinctly creditable. The story is, of course, Biblical, and there was solemnity in the solos and choruses. The worship of the Goddess of Artemis is objected to by Lycon and his daughter Phias, Christians; they are mocked and at last dragged to death. The chorus "Who is She Who Kules tho Heaven?" which opened the Cantata, was followed by Lycon's bass protest, and Phias's support of her venerable father. The enunciation of Mr. W. Binct Brown, as Lycon, was good, particularly in the recitative and air "Where the River of Klshoii," in tho solo "Oh, Bitter Mockery," and in the duettino with Phias. "He Giveth Life." Miss Christina Ormlston's soprano work as Phias was exquisite; vocally, she expressed the calm serenity of the Christian girl, and created almost a living study. Mr. Kgerton Pegs; was Thasis, a heathen philosopher, and he also sang the role with intelligence. His recitative "Come, then, let us Worship" and his solo, "Woe, Woe to the Pool", were given a sympathetic rendering. The choruses were Round, and some flue tenor singing was apparent. Mr. Bishop got every ounce of music out of the cantata, and was ably assisted by Mr. .Trevor Fisher's accompaniments. Special mention must be made of tho pianoforte work, which was never obtrusive, and technically perfect, while, in tho accompaniments for tho solos, there was some delicato shading, and effortless cohesion between soloist and pianist. The presentation of bars to long service medals was made by the president of the Wellington Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association, Mr. A. Jacobs, who eulogised the recipients for their long association with tho choir. They were Messrs. 11. Wright (who is also a life member), V. W. liaycock, H. Parkin, T. .[. Jenkins, H,,'G.