LAURELS TO MR WOLF

Evening Star, Issue 18021, 15 July 1922, Page 3

LAURELS TO MR WOLF

ORGANIST, CONDUCTOR, TUTOR, FRIEND." When everything was ready for the start of tho concert at His Majesty’s Theatre last night—the first of two concerts that set forth Dunedin’s acknowledgments to and respect for Mr Sidney Wolf—the members of the committee of citizens that organised tho public tribute came on to the stage, and Sir George Fenwick made a speech. He said that ho bad been asked by the committee to express its appreciation and recognition of tho great and valuable services Mi’ Sidney Wolf had rendered to the community. (Applause.) It was not necessary for him to speak for more than a few moments, because everyone knew of the great value Mr Wolf had been to Dunedin from a musical point of view, particularly with regard to orchestral and choral work. The word “friend’’ on tho cover of the programme attracted his attention. It brought to his mind a conversation he had with a Dunedin lady. They were speaking of the concert, and she said that she had’ been conversing with a member of tho Choral Society, who had spoken of Mr Wolf as a. great deal more than a musical conductor ; he was a friend, and it had been an inspiration to her to attend the fortnightly practices of the society. They were looked forward to by all of the members with the keenest interest and pleasure. There was no working member of the Choral Society who had not for years past recognised Mr Wolf not only as an able, painstaking, and conscientious conductor, but as a_ friend. (Applause.) He truly had an inspiring influence in the practical work of the Choral Society. (Applause.) It was through his patient and untiring efforts that the Choral Society had been able to present so many enjoyable concerts to tho people cf this city, and he (Sir George) knew how cordially those who were present that night would recognise Mr Wolf’s great services. Sir George added that he had been asked to move the following motion, which he felt sure would be earned bv acclamation That this gathering of Hunedin citizens, in appreciation of the great benefit that has been derived by musical circles in Dunedin through the able instruction given by Mr Sidney Wolf over a long course of wears, and especially in his most valuable work as conductor of the Dunedin Choral Society during the long period he has held that position, desires to express to Mr Wolf its sincere sympathy with him in his illness, and its high appreciation of tho great service he has rendered to this community not only in his position as conductor of the Choral Society, but as a great factor in promoting the musical education of the community as a whole.” The motion was endorsed by tho audience in loud and prolonged applause, the volume of which drew attention to the fact that the theatre was just about full. Elgar’s setting of tho National Anthem was an appropriate opening item, for it is the accepted beginning of the concerts given by the Choral Society, Mr Wolfs special creation. Mrs Astley Black gave the solo in fine style. The Philharmonic Society’s orchestra, conducted by Signor Squarise, then played tho ‘ Ruy Bias ’ overture much after the style in which it was given at tho society’s concert. Mr W. Gemmell next appeared, with Mr C. A. Martin as accompanist, to sing that good song ‘ The Pagan,’ which suits Mr Geinmcll’s voice and methods. Ho worked up a lovely climax. Mr Galway conducted the Choral Society in its singing of the unaccompanied part song ‘ Moonlight.’ Nice soft expression governed tho delivery, and the men did well to secure a balance hs against tho ladies’ voices. Mrs Astley Black has a special study of the jewel song from ‘ Faust,’ with which she has delighted Dunedin audiences on previous occasions. It seizes the opportunity of presenting Marguerite in the contemplative mood, away from the opera environment; not driven to a showing off of the voice, and suck an interpretation has its distinctive advantages. Mrs Black was in lovely voice, and her singing was 'beautifully true and of high intellectuality. The somewhat over-ornamented transcription of ‘Annie Laurie’ which the Idlers’ Quartet give, arranged by Dudley Buck, was very much appreciated, and the four singers (Mr Scott, Mr Reid, Mr Cameron, ami Mr Angell) were doubly encored. Then followed 1 0 Gladsome Light,’ given with taste and feeling by the Choral Society, the diminuendo ending was just about perfect. In the second part tho Male Choir, conducted by Mr Galway, sang ‘The Song of Harold Harfager,’ with Mr Gemmell as soloist, and did it well. Mr John Leech's silvery tenor voice was heard to, advantage in ‘Lorraine,’ and in his encore song ‘ Sylvelinc.’ Tho Philharmonic Society played the ‘ Slavonic Dance No. 1 (Dvorak) in great style. Miss Phyllis West once more proved her interpretative power in a thoughtful delivery of ‘ Softly Awakes My Heart,’ and had to sing again. The concert ended in brilliant stylo with the hallelujah chorus from Beethoven’s ‘ Mount of Olives,’ which has quickly become popular. The accompanying work was shared by (Miss Hartley and Miss Gawne. Everybody engaged was keen and in good form, and the concert must be reckoned a great musical success. The second concert, bringing on fresh performers, will ho given this evening.