"SAID WITH MUSIC"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 27, 31 July 1941, Page 12

"SAID WITH MUSIC"

BRITISH-AMERICAN CONCERT

A judiciously compiled programme of vocal and instrumental music, jointly arranged by members of the British American Co-operative Movement, the English-speaking Union, and the English Folk Association, was given in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last night, and its object was stated to be an expression in terms of music of the gratitude of New Zealand for the help that the United States of America is giving to the British Empire in its war effort. At the close Mr. J. S. Barton, C.M.G., emphasised the significance of the event and the common ideals, language, and faith of the British and American peoples. There was a large attendance, including her Excellency Lady Newall, the High Commissioner for the' United Kingdom, Sir Harry Batterbee, and Lady Batterbee, the Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, and the American Consul-General, Mr. Raymond Cox.

The items in the programme included works of American and British composers—Vida Herbert, Macdowel, German, Quilter, Myddleton, Parry, Foster, and other well-known names in concert programmes. Opening in a choral medley of English, Scots, Irish, and Welsh songs by the l Victory Troubadours, an accomplished choir of men's and women's voices, conducted by Mr. Clement Howe, the concert was supported by solo numbers by Miss Molly Atkinson (contralto), Mr. Ken Macauley (baritone), and Miss Jocelyn Walker (solo pianiste). An outstanding and unusual feature in a concert programme w.as the recital of "The White Cliffs of Dover," a dramatic j poem describing the reactions of an American woman (from Massachusetts, apparently) to England and the English, and concluding with the words "In a world where England is finished and dead, I do not wish to be." This long poem was artistically and feelingly delivered by Mrs. Mary MacKenzie, with the support of musical interludes by Gordon Anderson, pianist. Most acceptable, too, were popular contributions (four items) by the Henri Perm Bohemian Orchestra. Mr. Clement Howe was conductor, accompanist, and organiser; and Miss Nola Pritchard accompanied the chorus. The National Anthem included "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" and a third verse beginning "Two Empires by the sea.' 7 The concert was a popular as well as a musical success.