Wesley Choir Concert

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6919, 25 July 1932, Page 3

Wesley Choir Concert

FEILDING PERFORMANCE

The intensely cold night on Friday kept many people indoors who otherwise would have helped to swell the attendance at tho Wcsloy choir concert given in. the Majestic theatre, for the programme certainly warranted greater patronage. The choir, under the baton of Mr. A. R, Shelton, was best in tho opening number, ‘‘ln This Hour of Softened Splendour,” tho harmonious blending of the voices producing the sweetest effect. Willi “Tho Lost Chord” the correct atmosphere was attained to a marked degree of finish, but there was a want of sympathetic appreciation in “Lead, Kindly Light,” and paiticularly in “Hail, Bright. Abode,’ which chorus was disappointingly rendered. In the second part of the programme the choir warmed to its work and was decidedly pleasing in “All in tho April Evening” and “Saviour Thy Children Keep.” Assisting artists provided numbers which were in every way acceptable, although in the first half tho response to encores rather spoiled the general effect. Miss M. Armour, L.A.8., provided three musical monologues which were all to the liking of the audience, which was obviously impressed with tho accomplishments of this young lady. There will certainly be a demand for more of lier work, which is of a very high order. The solos provided, by Miss Roma McClure enhanced her reputation and in “Abide With Mo” her rich voice provided a. delightful treat. Miss McClure is always worth hearing and is outstanding among local amateur talent, Mr. Norman Shelton, contributed two vocal solos, being excellent in that descriptive number, “The Windmill. With his father he sang “Tho Battle Eve” and tho old favourite, "Excelsior.” Miss Betty Moore was warmly applauded for her recitation, and Mr. H. J. Dewo provided three humorous numbers which made for the lighter side of the programme. Mr. B'. Crump accompanied tho choir and Miss C. Gifford tho soloists.