METHODIST CHURCH CHOIR CONCERT

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 20, 9 October 1930, Page 2

METHODIST CHURCH CHOIR CONCERT

.It is most gratifying to Hutt musiclovers to know that, though the local Choral iSociety has become extant, choral effort is not dead in our midst, as was evidenced at the concent presented by the Methodist Church Choir in St. James's Hall on Monday night. 'Uxudex' the aible oondu-etorship of- Mr. Ernest Dawson a very fine (programme wias submitted, and the choir were indeed fortunate in securing the services of such experienced musicians as the 2YA Orehestrina, for, so frequenitly, choral work is rendered ineffective

I through lack of suitable accompaniment;- and the artistry of Miss Evelyn Roibirison (contralto) and Mr. Wilbur Davies ((baritone), is too well known to need comment. Mr. R. Horman wias j the capalble accompanist. The' opening I numiber was the tuneful and ever popul lar '' Maritama'/ by 2VA Orehest'rina/ which was followed by the stirring "Son of the Vikings," by Eaton Faning, by tie Choir, which was numeri- , ©ally, rather at a disadvantage in a ■ chorus of this description. Then fol- ! lowed the exuberant "Dayibreak/' by A. R, Saul, delightfully rendered by > the Choir, after which Miss Ava Sy-~i mons and Mr. W. McLean were heard ] in Handel's "Sonata in G- Minor Por Trsvo Strings, '■' a composition of distinctly religious appeal, with its uplifting and exquisite themes and charm.ing and .brilliant variations. It was very finely interpreted^ Elgar's exquisite "The Snow" with its heavenly orchestral accompaniment, followed and in tkjs nnrmiber the Choir earned very appreciative applause for. their artistic rendering."- Mr. Wilbur Davies's numbers were '' Coaling by Helmore and " Cargoes,"-by Martin Shaw, and the audience attested its appreciation of his dramatic' interpretation of these. j numbers by insistently demanding- an | encore. The Character Sketch "Miser I Smallweed," was very finely spoken by | 'Mr. Asshetpn Harbdrd, whose talents j are well known to Hutt audiences).^ ThtMi came two items of veiy popular appeal, "KiUarney" (Balfe), and ''Annie Laurie,"by the Choir. Tthey were ranaecompanied. Miss • Robinson j selected "The Sea Hath Its Pearls" (Bairstofw), and "I Heard You SingI ing" (Erie Cpates), and charmed her audience in both nimiibGrs-. The dramatic " Challenge of Thor" (Elgar), by the Choir, brought the first part of the programme to a close. The orches-' tral accompaniment in this mumiber was most effective; and the general effect very fine. Excerpts from. "Merrie England" (Edward German) :by 2YA | Orehestrina, was the-next item and. proved deservedly popular. The patrio'tie and stirring cantata "England Expects" (Edward German) by the Choir folloiwed, and its' effect was enhanced by the recitation of H. de Vere Stacpoole's poem by Miss Mary Cooley. The cantata is in parts strangely reminiscent of "The Revenge." Here too, the choir was at a disadvantage numerically, but in spite of this fact,' the interpretation was an excellent one and Mr Davies as soloist,-was splendidly robust. . J?he programme closed with of Hope and Glory" (Elgar), Iby tsie Choir, with Miss Boibinson as soloist. This number developed into a community sing, which was thoroughly enjoyed Iby the audience. The NJational Anthem brought to a close a most interesting and delightful con-

cert.