THE SHEFFIELD CHOIR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14701, 19 June 1911, Page 5

THE SHEFFIELD CHOIR.

A' NEW ANTHEM

On- a short visit to London after (lie Canadian and United States Tour of the Sheffield Choir, Dr. Charles Harms discussed with Sir F. bridge, the organist of Westminster Abbey, the " Homage Anthem." which for the first lime is to be performed at Westminster Abbey during the Coronation, having been specially composed by the organist. Dr. Harries suggested, writes our London correspondent, that- it would be most appropriate, that the choir should introduce his new anthem at the. Antipodes as nearly as possible at the moment when it- will be sung in the Abbey. The composer readily assented to the suggestion, and it was decided that. Dr. Harriss should take with him the score of the "Homage Anthem." The choir will be on the water between Sydney and Auckland when the Coronation takes place, so that- the people of Auckland are likely to have the first audition of the great, composition. '.the. anthem is founded of Luther's chorale "Kin Festo Burgistunser Gott." It has brass accompaniment for trumpets, horns, trombone, side drum. bass drum, and cymbals. Dr. Harriss has composed a new Empire chorus, "The Crowning of the King," an elaborately descriptive, work, which will also be produced' first in New Zealand. The music give* a. subtle and effective picture of the quiet, in the cloistered abbey of old. with the monks its sole inhabitants; the brilliance and glitter of ceremony of to-day, a.nd the acclamation of the Oversea. Dominions. The words are, by the Canadian port, Wilfrid Campbell. The members of the New Zealand contingent, of the orchestra, 58 in number, arrived in Auckland by the express yesterday, and will commence rehearsal under the eonductorship of 11 err .lolian Wielaertat nine a.m. to-day. The sale of reserved seats has been very great, and full houses are assured. Doubts -have been expressed as to the acoustic and other properties of the building where the festivals are to bo held, but it is stated that the triple roof of iron, felt, and wood will prevent any rain or wind from being a disturbing element-: a.nd the. acoustic properties have been tested, and leave nothing to be desired. Comfortable stairways and exits have been provided, and the seating will be comfortable. The building lias been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Mr. Hugo Uorlitz, who arrived from the South yesterday, is sanguine of a great success in every way. He expresses surprise at the controversies which have, arisen, and states that whatever prejudices may exist, the choir will "sing them down." The sale of matinee tickets will commence' at Wild in an and Arey's to-morrow morning, and 5s admission tickets for all performances will bo on sale on Wednesday morning at. the same place. Only a limited number of 5s tickets' is available, and, every purchaser is limited to five tickets. The executives of various musical societies in Auckland are being invited to co-operate to give the choir a reception when it- arrives on Sunday, and a meetin:; of their members, to which all interested persons'"will also be welcomed, is to be held to-morrow evening.