ROYAL DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR

Evening Star, Issue 23083, 8 October 1938, Page 12

ROYAL DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR

POPULAR CONCERT ARRANGED When Master Alan Loveday made his appearance in Dunedin a few months ago the extraordinary playing of this 10-year-old violinist amazed and delighted the audience. That a small boy should be able to master compositions that severely tax adult performers was a thing that the public had not expected, and the ovation given him then was proof of the audience’s appreciation of his powers. The announcement, therefore, that Master Loveday will appear at the concert of the Royal Dunedin Male Choir on Monday night, October 17, should arouse unusual interest inasmuch as he is expected to leave for study in England at the end of the year. The choir has selected a programme that may truly be termed popular. It is recognised that there are certain of the higher forms of music that are not appreciated, or wanted, by many people, and the opportunity of hearing a well-trained and balanced male choir in such old favourites as ‘ My Grandfather’s Clock,’ Clutsam’s ‘ Full Fathom Five ’ and ‘ Sigh No More, Ladies ’ should be eagerly accepted. Sir Hugh Roberton, whose works are well-known to Male Choir patrons, is essentially a composer for the people, and in his setting of ‘ Annabel Lee ’ there will be discovered a lovely melody. ‘ Swords Out for Charlie ’ (F. F. Bullard) was composed as long ago as 1901, but for some reason has been neglected by musical bodies. It has appeared on several programmes elsewhere of late, however, and Dun-

edin will hear this* rousing cavalier song presented in virile manner. The soloist ,in this item Will be Mr J. B* Bennett, one of the choir’s first basses, who does ample justice to it. Other part songs are ‘ Down By the Sally Gardens,’ one of the loveliest •'* hum* ming.” songs the choir has ever sung; ‘l’m a Jolly Old Rover’; Liszt’s ‘Song of Brotherhood,’ a stirring patriotic song with a magnificent climax; Cecil Forsyth's ‘ A Nutshell Novel,’ ‘ Prayer on the Water ’ Schreck), and ‘ Cornish Fiddler’*' Song,’ an arrangement by S. R* Gaines of an old English folksong. The supporting artists are of outstanding merit. Miss Dora Drake will sing ‘Ah, fors’ e lui, che I’anima,’' from Verdi’s ‘ La Traviata,’ and Miss Betty Pocock and Mr Edward Snow will present the duet: ‘ The Manly Heart that War Desires(Mozart)., Mr Leslie Dunbar, the-possessor of a baritone voice of sterling quality, wall sing the favourite, ‘ I Am a Friar of Orders Grej;,’ and a- new setting by Winifred Bury of the old song, ‘ There Is a Ladye.’ By courtesy of the choir pianist, Mr Colin' Oliver, Miss Mavis MacDonald will be at the piano for Master Loveday’s numbers. -The box plan will open at Begg’s on Thursday, , when programmes may also be obtained. A