HAWERA MALE CHOIR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 30 April 1925, Page 4

HAWERA MALE CHOIR.

FIRST CONCERT OF SEASON

A new feature was introduced at the thirty-fourth concert given by the Hatiawera Male Choir in the Opera House lhso evening, wnen a specially arranged orchestra, which included several or the lady players of Haw era, contributed two numbers to the programme. These were cue very line overture “Jaistspel,” by iveila Bella, and the pretty and melodious Hungarian Dance Ac.. 5 ol Brahms. noui were piaytd an nice caste, and with such good effect that me audience ..were deiigntea, and recalled the orchestra to add another number.

The choir numbers were a series of wed contrasted se ections, in varied styles, and tneir singing m each was marked by good tone, balance and blend and a careful attention to light and shade. Prompt attack and release were also features of the choir’s work, and also a caietul watching of the conductor's baton. The resu,t was a very good performance of the various numbers.

“Drake’s Drum,’’ a sea song by Stanford, was perhaps the best for choral eifect. it was capitally sung. The solo was taken by Mr \V. F. Eade in good style. Dudley Buck s “In Vocal Lornbat, ” introducing tne two old melodies “Then You’ll Remember Me” ana “Rocked in the Grade, of the Deep.” was most effective. The voices balanced very nicely, and the result was altogether quite good. There weie several songs of the sea on the list, the others being “The Storm,” by Durrner and “The Old Superb” by Stanford. In both the choral effects were very good. In the latter they formed a nice setting to the fine soio surig w ith ejccel ent expression by Mr C. C. Moss. So well did the, choir and soloists please the audience that they were encored on several occasions. It w r as a fitting tribute to the members and, to their conductor. The serio - comic numbers, “Laughing” and ‘'The Two Goslings,” were both good. The soloist of the evening was Miss Myra Sawyer, a Wellington soprano. She' has a 'ight vpice, but of very nice quality and of good range. She sings with delightful ease of style and shows excellent powers of expression. Her vocal technique, too, is very good, and her control of the voice very effective. Her two numbers, the great song “Villane'.le” (Del Acqua) and the pretty arid very attractive “Laughing Song” of Auber, gave the singer complete scope to show her power arid resource, and in both she scored a great success. The latter especially pleased the audience, and she was recalled three times before the listeners w T ould be satisfied. Her encores included “Ye Banks.and Braes,” “Long Ago,’’ and an exceedingly pretty lullaby, which was one of her best numbers. Miss Sawyer created altogether a very favourable impression on her listeners, who gave her a most enthusiastic! reception.

The work of the choir reflects great credit on the conductor, Mr Clement Howe. He had it well under control throughout, and the voices when required gave a fine volume of tone, and in the soft parts were nicely subdued. The blend and balance w-ere good, and the effects secured show r ed good careful training. 1

As alwavs, the accompaniments were played in capital style by Miss D. .Toll, the choir’s very efficient aceompanfste. Throughout her work was in exeel’ent taste. The choir owe her a great- deal for her s good work.

Taken altogether, the .concert was a great success, find was very cordially appreciated hv the audience that" filled the hall. ' - > - ’ •