BRIGHT PART SINGING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 72, 22 September 1943, Page 6

BRIGHT PART SINGING

The second concert of the season by the Wellington Harmonic Society last evening provided bright part-singing of which the audience which filled the Y.W.C.A. Hall showed full appreciation. The society appears to have set itself to present bright choral work to the public during the war period. It owes much to its conductor, Mr. H. Temple White, and its items last night were marked by attention to his every demand. The concert _ opened with "London Town" (German), and" other numbers which, pleased were "0 Happy Eyes" (Elgar), "O'er the Meadows" (Smith), and "The River Floweth Strong" (Rogers). "The Hymn to tho Trinity" (Tchaikovsky) was snug with duo reverence. The ladies of the choir were heard in "Sound Sleep" (Vaughan Williams), n. number which perhaps would be bptter appreciated on a second hearing. Maunders "Border Ballad" was sung by the male voices with appropriate spirit, and had to bo repeated. It was refreshing to see a strong line of male voices which gave the choir perfect balance. Tho society is to be commended for its encouragement of youthful artists. Mis 3 Shirley Craig, solo pianist, displayed a crispness and technique which were altogether satisfying. Her best number perhaps was "Rhapsodio in C" (Dohnanyi). Miss Rosalecn Hickmott, soprano, revealed a voice of light quality and pleasing tone, and was heard to advantage in Offenbach's "The Doll's Song." Both artists were enthusiastically received by the audience. Mr. Harold Whittle, accompanist, was a tower of strength to soloists and choir. Altogether, the concert was most enjoyable, and reflected credit on all concerned.