“OLIVET TO CALVARY”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 109, 8 April 1936, Page 12

“OLIVET TO CALVARY”

Oil Sunday last the cantata “Olivet to Calvary” was rendered by an augmented choir at the St. Paul’s Methodist Church, under the conductorslnp of Mr A. Tregurtha. Mr E. Gordon Bennett presided at the organ. The soprano solos, which were entrusted to Miss G. Laurenson, were sung with deep feeling and line interpretation. Eev. J. H. Haslam, of Wellington, who sang the tenor solos, treated them with confidence. In the baritone solos, Mr G. H. Greenaway was heard to advantage, his interpretation of the part being particularly effective. “Come unto Him” and “Droop Sacred Head” were rendered as quartettes by Misses G. Laurenson, T. Clark, Messrs L. Bycroft, and H. Blackwood and were most acceptable. The choruses were particularly good, there being a pleasing crispness of attack. Prior to the commencement of the cantata the quartette, “All in the April Evening,” was rendered by Misses Laurenson and Clark and Messrs Tregurtha and Blackwood. It made a fitting opening to the beautiful cantata. ' { ST. PETER’S CHURCH. There was a very good congregation at St. Peter’s Church on Sunday evening when the choir, under the direction of the choirmaster (Mr C. R. Robotham) rendered the cantata, “Olivet to Calvary” (Maunder). Mr H. S. Porteous was at the organ. The whole work was sung with a spirit of reverence, the choruses being well-balanced and marked with expression, ’lie solo work, which is varied, alternating between description and meditation, fire and pathos, was of a high standard. Air E. G. Spraggon sang the baritone solos and Mr G. G. Priest took the part of Pilate, and also sang the final bass solo. The tenor soloist was Air H. J. King, and Airs D. McPherson and Airs W. Coutts sang the soprano solos. At the eonchision of the service the vicar ("Rev. F. S. RnmsoTi). in a few well-chosen words, thanked the choir and congratulated them on the excellence of their interpretation of the cantata.