THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20257, 17 May 1929, Page 14

THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

WALLACE'S "MARITANA;"

FIRST CONCERT OF SEASON. The new musical season of the' Auckland Choral Society was auspiciously opened at the Town Hall last evening, when a concert performance of Wallace's evergreen opera "Maritana " engaged the attention of a large and enthusiastic audience. Few operas can boast such a rich array of solo and concerted numbers, and although to many of an older generation these have become somewhat hackneyed, there is no denying a certain fullness of appeal in this musical setting of a story which is charged with more dramatic interest than many similar works can lay claim to. Even when deprived of the customary stage settings and action there are many compensating features about a concert rendering of such a work as " Maritana." No touring company, for instance, could afford to travel with, the large chorus which occupied the platform last evening, while in the case of the principals the highest musical endeavour was demanded in order to' make each excerpt fully convincing. So persistent was the applause following many of the better-known solos that the final verse had to be repeated. The society was wise in engaging Miss Kato Campion to interpret the beautiful soprano solos which are a conspicuous feature of the opera. This artist brought a ripe experience to bear upon each delivery, and scored a merited success throughout. Her clear vocal quality was marked in her openuing solos, " It Was a Knight " and " 'Tis the Harp in the Air," while she made a great impression in the charming ballad, " Scenes That Are Brightest." Miss Campion, sang with much freedom in her scenes with the other principals, and fully captured the operatic mwd. Miss Madge Clague's well-trained voice lacked something of the distinctive contralto quality for Lazarillo's music, and this was noticeable in the duet " Sainted Mother" sung toward the end. Miss Clague, however, • showed much taste in the clearly enunciated solo "Alas! Those Chimes," and acquitted herself with distinction in the trio " Turn On, Old Time," and other excerpts. The tenor soloist, Mr. Arthur Ripley, had many chances to impress the audience and he fully availed himself of these in the popular numbers " Yes, Let Me Like m Soldier Fall" and the sentimental " There is a Flower that Bloometh." Mr. Ripley was also fully conversant with his music in the ensembles with the other soloists.

Mr. Geoffrey Colledge was well suited in the musical role of Don Jose, and gained much credit for his interpretation of tho ballad " In Happy Moments." as well as his share in the duet, " Of Fairy Wand, had I the Power."

As exponent of the bass music, principally that allotted to the character of the King of Spain, Mr. E. Thomas was occasionally tempted to produce too open a tone on his higher notes. His best solo opportunity was in "The Mariner in His Barque," with its attractive violin prelude, and this was sung with much appeal. The large choir voiced their well-varied numbers with evident enjoyment. A strong sense of rythm was suggested in the opening chorus. "Sing, Pretty Maiden, Sing," while the devotional mood was strikingly portrayed in the expressive " Angelus." The finales were also spiritedly given. Miss Edith' Whitelaw led the orchestral forces with sureness. and the work of this, department frequently merited high praise. The whole production was under the capable baton of Mr. Colin Muston, who secured the maximum of effort from his performers.