FEAST OF MUSIC IN THE HUTT.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 18, 25 September 1930, Page 3

FEAST OF MUSIC IN THE HUTT.

Synthetic mu.siCj while still retaining its popularity, ea.ii never quite approach the real thing, and there is a certain fundamental something which the actual presence of an artist or artistes provides which cannot be compensated' for by means oil the. two-dimensional screen and the reproducing paraphenar lia of the Talkies. It comes as no great surprise to find that the activi-

ties of amateurs are growing in strength and that Lower Hutt is by no means behind in this respect.

On Monday, October 6th in the St. James's Hall,- the Choir of the Methodist Church will "present a concert wffich will appeal in the widest sense to all lovers of music, besides providing a rare opportunity of heariug reallygood choral work. This Choir is deservedly1 * popular in the- Haitt Valley, being exceptionally Well •■balanced, with a fund of fresh young voices, and hav T ing' for its conductor a malt with talent and experience. So far, its popularity has bee*n based upon its sacred niusic ; but now the Methodist Choir is giving a concert of general music, Avhich should be especially interesting since the programme to be submitted is arranged entirely on the compositions of British composers and writers.

Artists of outstanding ability assisting are:—Miss Evelyn.liabinson,-a contralto whose colorful vocal work lias won her pride of place in Wellington musical circles; Mr. WilburDavies, baritone, whose voice is magnificently robust, and musical with the inherent quality of Wales, the British equivalent to Italy;"Mr. Assherton Harbdrd,who has established a reputation for himself in ' the musical and dramatic* world. He will be heard on this oc-c-afuon in a new role, as a recitalist. Miss Ava Symons and Mr. W. McLean, violinists of outstanding quality, who may be relied upon to provide some excellent music. In addition, there will be Signor A. P. Truda's orchestra, which needs no introduction, and is well known as a first-Glass combination*. -Special items worthy of mention, from the programme are:—The first ' perfoinuancc in N"ew Zealand of Hu- ' : bert Bath's "England Expects" (poem ;by H. de Vcre Stae-poole) with full orchestral accompaniment; Eaton Faning's "Song of the Vikings" a chorus full of fire and vigor—rousing —stirring —breathing the spirit of those dauntless conquerors of the seas; Handel's Sonata for two violins, played by. Ava Symons and W. McLean; "Elgar's : "Challenge of Thor\ J a mighty chorus by 'King Olaf with full orchestral accompanvment. ' ' j. ■ * The eon duct oi1 is Mr. Ernest Dawson, and the accompanist Mr. G. if. Horman. The programiine is excellent and should commend itself to everyone as it provides an evening's entertainanant and a feast of splendid music. '