“MERRIE ENGLAND”

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 273, 17 October 1927, Page 3

“MERRIE ENGLAND”

SHANNON CHORAL SOCIETY’S PERFORMANCE.

Tlic Shannon Choral Society on Thursday evening last gave a noteworthy performance of “Merrie England” and, commenting on the work of tho society and its artists, the News said (inter alia) :—lf music can be visualised as colour, tho offering of tho Shannon Choral Society in “Merrie England” was like a very pretty bouquet in which there was a preponderance of warm and cheerful tints. The effect was quite a revelation, and the memory of the work will be emphasised by the indelible stamp of success. The Maoriland Theatre was virtually crowded. Tho predominant feature of tho recital was tho quality of the voices, and next to that were tho life and brightness with which the whole show sparkled. The society is fortunate in having so many young singers, whoso freshness and sweetness of tone has a wonderful appeal to the senses. In this respect the sopranos were superb, and they are capable of great achievements. One singer in particular was admirable, and she was unquestionably the leader of the section. Her notes wero strong, clear and of a silvery mellowness—a capital choir voice. The ladies aro the heart and soul of the society, without a doubt, and tho tuneful material which they provided is adaptable to much expressive development. The altos bore their part nobly; they are never numerous enough in amateur circles to give a perfect blend, but still their contribution was noticeable and creditable. The tenors and basses, who were reinforced by some members of the Levin society, wero thoroughly reliable and their share of the production was marked by almost scholarly accuracy. That such results can be produced in a small country town, where musical facilities are not specially fostered, suggests that much painstaking study and practice have been undertaken with a determination to succeed. Mucli of this spirit is undoubtedly due to the radiant energy and conscientious aptitude of the conductor, Mr Howard Andrew, whose personality is of the compelling order—an invaluable faculty in the director of a musical organisation. His choir responded almost to his thoughts, and it was their general attitude of alertness that was mainly responsible for the fine swing with which the work proceeded. In the opening chorus, “Sing a-down a-down,” the attack and release could hardly have been bettered, and the volume of sound was sustained with great consistency. A very popular impression was created, manifesting itself in whole-hearted applause. The choruses with the soloists were taken with every confidence, which reacted on the principals to such an extent that it xvas easily discernible that they were in true communion with their supports. “That every Jack should have a Jill” was given with all the vivacity that such a ballad demands; and the full depth of the patriotic motif was revealed in “The Yeomen of England” and “Long Live Elizabeth.” In quite another vein was “0, Peaceful England,” where there xvas mote restraint than might have been expected from so full-throated a company. The finale to the first part of the operetta is a little intricate for a small society, but a surprise was again provided by the neat way in which this band of songsters came through it. All through the second part they retained their vocal form and their care of details. Shannon has some voices whose echoes are like fragrance, and Mr Andrew has utilised them to palpable advantage by his directive ability. With undisputed wisdom the society engaged two of tho best soloists in the Dominion—Miss Naomi Whalley, of Palmerston North, a soprano who is approaching the zenith of her career, and Miss Nora of Wellington, a finished contralto. Both of these charming artists won their way to the innermost susceptibilities of their hearers, and were honoured with floral tokens and with encores for all their items. They were in the presentation of the same operetta by the Levin Society earlier in tho year, but last night they were, if anything, in even better form. Certainly this was tho case with Miss Whalley who seems to go from one triumph to another. The liquid top notes, the range and flexibility which she possesses were demonstrated in a remarkable degree, and the audience at no time felt that they had heard enough. Their appreciation of the “Waltz Song” amounted to an ovation. With Miss Greene there was the same conquest of the public, achieved through a distinct style, with an attractiveness inseparable from the individuality of tho singer. Mr J. Garde Grimshaxv, of Palmerston North, capably interpreted the rather trying tenor role, and Mr J. D. Brown, of Levin, added to his laurels as a baritone soloist. The small bass part was rendered choicely by Mr F. C. Lemmon, of Levin. The 'instrumental accompaniment was well worth going a long way to hear. The society’s painiste, Mrs Clifford Jones, acquitted herself with considerable merit, and received an acknowledgment in the form of a handsome bouquet. Special nxention is due to Miss M. Nealo’s orchestra, consisting of young players, whose performance was l'eally captivating and who evoked a positive demonstration after their playing of tho intermezzo. Altogether the recital xvas a most happy one, and all who were concerned in it must be highly complimented. Subsequently, in the Parish Hall, a social xvas held, at which Mr Morgan, president of the society, welcomed the visitors, especially the helpers from Levin. He called for a hearty x-ote of thanks to Mr Andrexv and the society, and this xvas given xvith enthusiasm. The conductor, in responding thanked all present and expressed his gratitude to, tlie choir and the visiting helpers for their earnest co-operation xvith him. Ho also voiced his appreciation of the president (Hr Morgan), the secretary (Mr Hoodie), tlic exeoutix'e, the pianiste (Mrs Jones). Miss Neale’s orchestra, and the soloists. Mr C. E. Shaw, chairman of the Levin Choral Society, praised tho manner in which the concert had been produced, and congratulated the choir. He also complimented the society on tho selection of txvo soloists of such high standing as Miss Whalley and Miss Greene.

Songs xvei'e contributed by Miss Whalley, Miss Greene, Mr J. D. Brown and Miss Aim.