EXCELLENT MUSIC

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 256, 12 October 1932, Page 10

EXCELLENT MUSIC

HASTINGS WOMEN’S CHOIR CONCERT. Music of a high standard was presented at the Hastings Assembly Hall on Monday night when the Hastings Women’s Choir, assisted by instrumentalists of note and Madame Mercer contralto, provided an interesting and varied programme. This musical organisation merits a greater support from the public of Hastings than it receives, for on the point alone of free musical training of undoubted excellence the young, untrained vocalists here who do not yet belong have evidently not realised what a unique opportunity is being offered. The conductor, Mrs W. C. Whitlock, personally trains this choir at the weekly practices and teaches all those who need it the arts of part singing in its best form. The members who already belong greatly enjoy their work and quickly become enthusiastic and appreciative. On Monday last the stage was effectively adorned with large branches of gum leaves and the choir looked very attractive in their black frocks and scarlet shoulder rosettes, their conductor, Mrs Whitlock, also wearing a very becoming frock of black georgette, made on long, graceful lines. A pretty bouquet was presented to the soloist, Madame Mercer, who was heartily applauded for her singing and recalled after each appearance. Madame Mercer has a very sweet contralto voice and sings with great sympathy. The instrumental quartette was also recalled, the blending of the viola, violin, ’cello, and flute being unusual and beautiful.

Though the audience was not large, it was most attentive and enthusiastic and many people remained after the concert to congratulate the conductor and individual choir members on the very pleasing and entertaining programme.