MALE VOICE CHOIR

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 December 1922, Page 2

MALE VOICE CHOIR

A MUCH IMPROVED PARTY.

Greeted by a crowded audience, the Greymouth Male Voice Choir held probably its most successful concert yet in the Town Hall last night. Undoubtedly the Choir has, in variety, quality and technique registered a great improvement on its previous performances —which is saying a great deal. The concert last evening was the fine of the 1922 season, and musiclovers hope that the da capo in 1920 will find the choristers as tuneful and cheerful as ever.

No one could complain of the enural selections, although many of them were “old friends.” The programme opened with a part song "lo the Death” (Wheeler) and the vigorous, yet harmonious interpretation of the full choir left a good impression. Two other part songs "Must I Then Part From Thee?” (Otto) and "Maiden, .Listen!” (C. F. Adam) followed, and the delivery was all that could be desired. Next was a spirited chorus • Rataplan” (from de Rile’s "La Retraite”) Later in the evening the cnoir gained even greater volume and confidence, and their remaining unmoors left the audience wishing for more. The interpretation of "The Trumpeter” (Rix) was splendid, and "The Deathless Army” (Trotere) won wild and continued applause. An operatic chorus from Norma "Hasten, Ye Druids!” (Bellini) proved one of the gems of the evening. Mr. I. Nelson effect’vely interpreted the solo parts and was well supported by the choir. The final number by the choir, "The Anvil” (Adam) was an excellent finish to an excellent programme, and though the choir fell just short of producing the full ononiatopoetic effect it "got” the audience which was too much in sympathy with the spirited bonhomie of the choir to trouble about mere technicalities. The choir proved itself last night more than at any other time a well-grouped, harmonious and intelligent band of singers and Greymouth will look forward to many further opportunities of witnessing their talent, collective and individual.

Concerted numbers right through, the programme would be welcomed neither by the audience nor the singers, but it is hard to differentiate between the choir and the soloists in judging as to wliich were the more successful. In any case the choir is to be complimented on its enterprise in introducing two well-known outside singers. Mrs. Roy has a. contralto voice of rare charm and her personality also is pleasing. Her opening number “Vorrei” (Tosti) immediately placed her on good terms with the audience, which insisted on an encore. Mrs. Roy returned and sang "When Song is Sweet.” Tn the second half she was heard in Sanderson’s "My Dear Soul” and for this also received insistent applause, to which she responded by giving "The Way Home.” Mr Arthur Macdonald, of Christchurch was a “find.” His rich baritone tones filled the hall and his relined but friendly personality and easy grace established a good understanding between him and his audience. His first number, in which he fully demonstrated his power as a singer, was "Se it rigor” (Halevy). This won him an ovation. As an encore he gave "Bonny Dundee,” and his breezy interpretation moved the audience to again recall him and Mr. Macdonald gave

’The Star.” Mr. Macdonald again appeared in the second half, when he sang Gounod’s “Even Bravest Hearts” (from Faust). The audience demanded an encore, and Mr. Macdonald obliged with “Will Ye No’ Come Back Again?” Even that did not satisfy the audience which clapped and stamped until the artist again appeared, and sang “Tommy Lad.” Mr. Macdonald was accompanied by his wife who deserves a fair share of the honour done to her husband. He is a singer of exceptional brilliancy and it is a pity that he does not try to overcome one small fault—aslight inclination to mispronounce the 1-vowel sounds. A little variety was introduced to the programme by the interpolation of a cornet solo by Mr. W. Stevenson, who has lost none of his mastery over the instrument. His interpretation of “Nordische” was greeted with tumultuous applause and as an encore he gave “Down by Killarney’s Lakes and Hills.” Only one quartette was given during the evening. Messrs {Smith, Scott, Nelson and Harley were heard in “Lovely Night” (Chwatal) and their expression was good. A duet by Messrs Smith and Nelson, “The Rosary,” was given in the second half and won hearty paucrits for the two singers, who responded with “Excelsior.” The singing of the National Anthem concluded the proceedings. During the evening Mr. J. Mclndoe, (President) expressed his thanks to all who had assisted the Choir and expressed his pleasure at seeing such a good attendance despite the inclement weather. He was sorry the boys, who were a feature of the previous concert, could not be included in that evening’s programme owing to me difficulty of securing suitable music. That music had since been secured, and the boys would take their part in future conceits. (Applause). The Choir was now properly started, ami ho hoped that for future entertainments they would be successful m bringing outside soloists to the Coast. (Applause). I.ast, but not least, mention must be made of the honorary conductor (Mr. F. Smith) and the honorary accompaniste (Miss Lena Higgins, A.T. C.L., L.A.8.). It is sufficient tribute to Mr. Smith to say that the Choir was under the control of his baton from the start. Miss Higgins again proved that she has few district equals at the piano, and she carried out a difficult task to perfection