LEVIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 September 1927, Page 8

LEVIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

FELICITOUS SPEECHES AT MEMBERS' GATHERING.

The customary reunion of the Levin Choral Society took place last evening, when an enjoyable time was spent in partaking of supper, and in listening to a musical programme by the soloists who took part in "A Tale of Old Ja 1 4pan." The principal feature of the function, hdwevcr, consisted of the speeches in which the artistic position of the society was reviewed and the results of its work summed up. Mr C. E. Shaw, chairman of the committee, extended a welcome to the visitors, and thaivked the members of the Wellington Choral Orchestra for their assistance. He announced the forthcoming production of "Merrie England" by the Shannon Choral Society. Mr- T. G. Vincent, speaking on behalf of the society, said that every member realised that in Mr Dennis the society had one conductor in a thousand. " (Applause). He had inimitable patience. They must give every possible assistance to their co'nductor, and he thought that the majority of members really did their best for him. He also had great help from their pianist, whose work was an absolute inspiration. It was' to be hoped that MiDennis would continue to \)c with them for a very long time to cany on the good work that he had been doing. The gathering gave three cheers for the conductor and joined heartily in singing "For He's a Jolly Good:.. Fellow."

Mr Dennis, in responding, thanked those present, for the compliment they had paid him. He was more than delighted to be associated with them as a choral society. Many people had told him that he could not !>e successful in presenting such an ambitious work, but the result had justified the attempt: Some of the work was a little patchy, but on the .whole the performance satisfied him. He thanked the members for the loyal manner in which they had attended the practices and had persevered with the piece. The harmonies were tricky, and "Merrie England" was like child's play alongside this work, which required a medium chorus well under control. The society had now proved that they could produce practically anything that was written, except big double choruses. MiDennis paid a high tribute to Miss Thelma Shaw, F.T.C.L., as accompanist, saying that the society were extremely lucky to find a pianist of her ability in a small town. She anticipated his wishes when the various passages were being rehearsed, and this was very helpful to a conductor. . He thanked the orchestra, particularly those players who had come from Wellington to help the society. The presence of an orchestra put a different tone into the whole work, and these instrumentalists had worked beautifully. Mr Dennis also thanked Mr Hayfield for his able assistance at the organ. Of the soloists, he continued, it would be very hard to say who was the best. The society were always anxious to have the best soloists procurable. Sometimes they had the pleasure of introducing certain ones whom they considered the finest soloists in the Dominion. He personally sang beside Miss Naomi Whalley . two years ago, in "Maritana." She was a .->tar performer on that occasion, and had never looked back since. She was acclaimed by New Zealand as one of it's brightest sopranos and one with a great future before her. Mr J. D. Brown, of Levin, was a soloist who was improving every time he appeared. His work in "Merrie England" was very good, and in "A Tale of Old Japan" it was even better. In Miss Freeman they had a young contralto who had just made her debut as far as choral societies were concerned. She would go quite a long way in her connection with choral music. Mr Edgar Swam had been heard before in Levin, where he was known more as a concert performer than as an oratorio or opera singer. All present would agree that he was to be classed with the other three singers, and they would hope to have him with them again. The conductor thanked the secretary (Mr B. Magee), the chairman (Mr 0. E. Shaw), the librarian (Miss Koss), and the other members of the committee for_ their w?.ork and their active interest in the society's affairs. There was much more work in getting a concert ready than in merely practising and presenting it; and if the society had not had the good organisation of the committee behind them, they would not have got on so well as they did. Supper had been provided on this occasion under the guidance-of Mrs Shaw, and it was a greater success than it had ever been before. He was indebted to the "Chronicle" for publicity and support for the society. In conclusion Mr Dennis said he trusted that it would be possible for him to be associated with the society a little longer. _ Three rousing cheers were given tor Mr Dennis, followed by three for the commitiee and the officers of the society. . "■ , , , The chairman said he was pleased to, note that two ladies had come in from Shannon practically all through the winter to attend the practices and help the society in producing "A Tale of Old Japan." In return a number of the members of the Levin Society would go to Shannon to assist the organisation there. Mr Howard Andrew, on behalf or the Shannon Choral Society, said they appreciated the help the Levin Society were giving them. If it was desired to uplift the musical status of the two districts there'must be the co-opera-tion and kindly help that had come from the Levin society. Mr Swain spoke on behalf of the visiting artists and expressed warm appreciation of the hospitable welcome accorded them.

Dainty refreshments were served, and songs were contributed between the speeches. Misses Whalley and Freeman, Mr Edgar Swain and Mr J. D. sang solos, and Miss Whalley and Mr Dennis a duet, and all were enthusiastically encored. The combined singing.of " Auld Lang Syne" brought, a very happy gathering to a close.