Choral Society's Fine . Presentation Of 'Messiah

Northern Advocate, 9 December 1948, Page 4

Choral Society's Fine . Presentation Of 'Messiah

MARKING what is hoped will become a revival of oratorio in Whangarei, the Whangarei Choral Society’s presentation ol the “Messiah” at the Whangarei Town Hall last night was an outstanding success.

When the society commenced rehearsals in early August, the objective was to make the final presentation a memorable occasion, and that objective was more than achieved last night.

A large audience almost filled the Town Hall to enjoy a performance which was notable for .the expressive interpretation of the warmth and richness of Handel’s beautiful oratorio. The 72-voice choir, conducted by Mr E. R. Fairburn, accepted and fulfilled the opportunities afforded in this inspiring composition. Of an unusually nigh standard throughout, the choral work was indeed testimony to the ability of Mr Fairburn, who conducted without a score for the whole performance of two and a half hours.

“Messiah” and for various other choral entertainments. Handel’s delightful and moving airs would have given even more enjoyment than they did last night if such facilities were available to musicians of Mr Woods calibre.

When the beautiful “Amen Chorus” brought the presentation to a close last night, the prolonged and enthusiastic applause and acclamation left no doubt as to the audience’s appreciation of the performance. It is to be hoped that a second presentation of the "Messiah” can be arranged by the society in the near future.

The gem of the choir’s singing was the magnificent “Hallelujah Chorus, leading towards the climax of the whole presentation.

ACHIEVED FULL GLORY With balance, expression and fervour, the choir achieved the full glory of this most stirring chorus. No less impressive or enjoyable was "Worthy is the Lamb,” in which the choristers again displayed their full appreciation of ,the subject material. It would be extravagant to claim that the performance was faultless but it would be accurate to state that the presentation, as a whole, was most meritorious. There could have been more strength in the tenors and, perhaps, the contraltos but generally speaking a happy balance was achieved. Diction was good and the presentation was deserving of the highest praise.

AUCKLAND SOLOISTS The soloists, who . were leading Auckland vocalists, were Lesley Daykin (soprano), Irene Rich (contralto). Ramon Opie (tenor) and Ashley Pollock (bass). Mis Daykin’s solos were undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable features of the whole ‘Messiah.’ Her voice, with its fine tonal qualities and range, lost none of its s wee f ness i n the registers and her interpretation revealed a full understanding of the music of Handel. Vowels and consonants were enunciated clearly to make her performance an outstanding one. Her final solo, the joyous “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth” was indeed beautiful. Ramon Opie, tenor, had a pleasing clarity and tone with his songs which marked him as a vocalist of unusual ability. The recitative. "Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart," was perhaps his best solo, faithfully interpreted and fluently delivered. His enunciation was excellent and his treatment of this solo, and several others, won the full approval of the audience. SANG FLUENTLY Irene Rich, contralto, presented her solos with assurance and confidence, which indicated she was well versed with the work of Handel. She sang most fluently and pleasingly, although a little more volume would have been effective in some of the passages. The bass, Ashley Pollock, had some difficult solos. He was not quite up to the standard of the tenor soloist, but his presentations were indicative of definite ability.

At the piano. Mrs J. McG. Walker had a great deal of work to do, but she accomplished .her difficult task with ease and polish. Mr A. Marsden-Woods. at the organ, made an extremely valuable contribution to the whole performance. He was handicapped by the limitations of the small instrument, but acquitted himself in a most praiseworthy manner.

PIPE ORGAN NEEDED In this regard, many present must have thought how desirable it would be, when a new Town Hall for Whangarei is being planned, that provision be made for the installation of a pipe organ. Such an instrument would be invaluable in such presentations as the