A MUSICAL TREAT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 124, 11 May 1935, Page 3

A MUSICAL TREAT

Maoir Choir Concert Can the Maoris sing ? Are they really musical? Are their voices as good as those of tile Pakeha? To these queries the promoters of the Korongata Maori Choir’s concert say “Come and see,” “Come and hear,” “Come to the Baptist Church Hall on Thursday next, May 16.” Did you ever hear or know of a company of Maoris singing the “Hallelujah Choruft” from the “Messiah”? There are many Pakeha choirs which are not equal to the task. But just hear the Korongata Choir of 40 magnificent voices not only sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” but sing it without music of any kind in their hands and a very pleasant surprise is in store. It hag never been known before that any choir, no matter how large, has ever attempted to smg from memory this great musical combination. The Korongata Maori Choir not only sings it but sings it with such breadth of tone and depth of feeling, with such vigour and precision, that the wonderful chorus just lives and vibrates with intensity under the baton of Mr J. Bewley, the conductor. At the concert on Thursday night, in addition to the •‘Hallelujah Chorus,’’ tho choir will also sing several wellknown part songs, including “Hail Smiling Morn,’’ “John Peel,” “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,’’ and “Sleep Gently Lady.” Three fine male part songs will also be sung, besides a women's three-part -song. There will also be some fine quartettes, ducts and solos. Action songs and poi dances by the Maori maidens a delightfully new haka, by both men and women, will conclude a very fine programme.