DUNEDIN RETURNED SOLDIERS' CHOIR

Evening Star, Issue 22382, 4 July 1936, Page 28

DUNEDIN RETURNED SOLDIERS' CHOIR

Strong solo support lias been accorded the choir for its first concert of the season, which will be held in the Concert Chamber on Monday evening next. Miss Ann White (soprano) will sing the operatic air ‘ Roberto O tu cue Adoro’ (Meyerbeer), and the contralto, Miss Phyllis Clare, has chosen the recitative and aria * O Mio Fernanda? y from •La Favoarita.’ Miss Ethel Wallace will lend variety to the vocal part of the programme by appearing in each part. She will play ‘ Cavatina and a bracket, ‘ Dragon .Flies ’ and ‘Tango. The choir’s double quartet will sing the finely harmonised ‘ Going Homo (Dvorak), and this should bo well received. Mr Leech has infused his enthusiasm into the singing of the choir, and the part songs have been carefully chosen. The committee’s policy of presenting as many new part songs as possible is evidenced in this concert, when no less than six of the eight numbers are quite new. ‘ Crossing the Plain ’ is one *of the most descriptive items yet given by the members, while the reverent ‘ Benediction of the Alps ’ contains a beautiful baritone solo for Mr R. Duerdon. The singing of the stirring ‘ Sussex by the Sea ’ at the beginning of tho programme should put the audience in happy mood. Other choir items are ‘ Farewell,’ ‘ Carnivale,’ ‘ Hallelujah Power and Glory,’ and His late Majesty’s favourite hymn, ‘ Abide With Me,’ of which the choir has made a fine study. This hymn has been scored by a choir member (L. B. Borrow), and will he rendered as a tribute to the memory of a life of great service to the British Commonwealth of Nations. A considerably increased subscription list indicates growing interest in the Soldiers’ Choir, and box plans are advertised.