CHORAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 21080, 18 April 1932, Page 11

CHORAL SOCIETY

' A full rehearsal on Saturday night gave convincing proof that the performance of ‘ Maritana,’ to be given by the Choral Society in the Town Hall to-morrow night, will bo ope of the most enjoyable things the society has yet done. A large choir brimful of enthusiasm, an orchestra perhaps the best the society has ever had, including Mrs J. H. Jarman, the leading harpist in the dominion, and a selection of soloists that could hardly be improved upon, make a powerful combination, and afford the conductor, Mr Alfred Walmsley, an opportunity of which ho will take full advantage. Miss Meda Paine, enriched in experience and technique by her trip abroad, is singing better than ever, and her rendering of ‘ ’Tis the Karp in the Air ’ and ‘ Scenes That are Brightest,’ with the beautiful harp accompaniment, is sure to evoke enthusiasm. Miss Evelyn Shepard, who also takes the solo in the ‘ Spinning Chorus ’ from Wagner’s 1 Flying Dutchman,’ with which the concert opens, invests the part of Lazarillo with a charm that will appeal to everyone. Mr J. E. Davies (tenor) reveals vocal and dramatic powers of a very high order, and is equally at home in vigorous numbers like ‘ Yes! Let Me Like a Soldier Fall ’ and in the softer passages of the exquisite ballad ‘ There is a Flower That Bloometh.’ The role of Don Jose is taken by Mr Howard Foster, who has a resonant baritone voice and a musical sense which enables him to use it to the best advantage. Mr James Paterson (bass)_ gives a very satisfying performance in his dual role as the king and the captain.