DELIGHTFUL WORK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22637, 14 May 1948, Page 6

DELIGHTFUL WORK

MISS MOLLIE SKILLEN PROGRAMME LAST NIGHT The welcome home concert to Miss Mollie Skillc-n under the joint auspices of the R.S.A. Male Choir and the British Music Society on Wednesday night in the Opera House was a conspicuous success a large audience hearing with evident delight a balanced programme of piano and vocal works. Playing with understanding and admirable restraint, Miss Skillen presented her chosen works in a musicianly manner, her ‘echnical ability once more being demonstrated to Gisbornians who had earlier combined to make it possible for her to undertake advanced study. Her Beethoven sonata was particularly beautiful, moving through the moods of its four movements with cohesion and a clear perception of the composer’s intent. Miss Skillen was warmly applauded for her excellent and lengthy contributions to the programme. The Choir’s Selections The R.S.A. Choir gave several excellent numbers, notable for their tone, quick attack and release. They were conducted by Mr. T. Birchnall and their unaccompanied singing of the “Volga Boat Song” was especially well received. The programme was completed by the songs of Mr. Robert Houston, baritone, whose well-trained voice and definite interpretative ability lent a pleasant atmosphere to his songs. Miss Skillen s programme was as follows: —“Flocks May Graze Secure.” Bach; “La Van Loo,” Duphlv; “Sonata in E- Flat, ’ Op. 31, No. 3, Beethoven; “Nocturne in D fiat” Op. 27, No. 2, “Polonaise in C Minor,” Op. 40, No. 2, “Etude in E,“ Op. 10, No. 3, “Etude in F," Op. 10. No. 8, all by Chopin; “Gardens in the Rain." Debussy; “Seguidillas, ’ Albaniz and “Clare de Lune,” Debussy. Programme Numbers The R.S.A. Choir presented “Comrades in Arms,” Adolphe Adam; “Volga Boat Song,” traditional; ”01’ Man River,” Jerome Kern; “Bonnie Wee Thing,” George Fox; and “The Long Day Closes" Mr. Robert Houston, baritone, gave several offerings, including "Women, Oh Women.” “The Farmer’s Pride” and "Bendemeer Stream. “Air on G String,” by Bach, was played by the B.M.S. String orchestra, with a complement of 15 players, conducted by Mr. L. .Strachan. They also played the overture. The accompanists for the choir and for Mr. Houston played competently and unobtrusively. Their names did not appear on the programme.

Numerous floral tributes were handed up to Miss Skillen. t and flowers also went to the accompanists.