COMBINED CONCERT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22224, 26 September 1935, Page 14

COMBINED CONCERT

TEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FINE MASSED SINGING ENJOYABLE MAORI ITEMS

The beauty and freshness of massed children's voices was fully conveyed by the excellent concert given by 10 secondary schools in the Town Hall last night. Under the baton of Professor FT. Hollinrake, tho choir of over 500 voices was under perfect control, while the enthusiastic manner in which the children entered into the spirit of every piece was a proof of tho musical understanding and appreciation which they had acquired. The first item by tho massed choir was Handel's "Yes, Through All My Pains," which was rendered with remarkably clear enunciation and vivid expression. Also in this bracket were two folk songs, "Blow Away the Morning Dew" and "Hob Y Dcrri Dando." The children threw themselves into those two gay pieces with a delightful vigour and both were treated in a bright and effective manner. The next bracket comprised the madrigal "Strike Up the Tabor," and a novel piece, "The Frog." The vocal effects in these were particularly pleasing. As a fitting conclusion the children sang two stirring festal songs, "Let All the World" and "I Vow to Thee My Country." Tho most popular items on tho entertaining programme were those given by Maori pupils of Queen Victoria School and St. Stephen's School. The time and rhythm of a delightful fishing song by the boys was a revelation. As a finale the youths gave a vivid rendering of the stirring school haka. In direct contrast was the soft and lilting canoe song given by Queen Victoria School pupils. In picturesque costumes and with only the rhythmic beat of the pois and the swish of skirts as an accompaniment these girls gave an artistic performance. Although it had previously been announced that there would be no encores, tho applause was so prolonged that a portion was repeated. Several schools contributed enjoyable individual items. The Hill Top School treated "0, Beautiful My Country" (Winn) and "The Keel Row" in a particularly delicate manner. A small choir from St. Cuthbert's College showed excellent expression s.nd modulation in the captivating airs ' Where the Nodding Violets Grow" and "The Daffodils," while the full college choir gave a fine rendering of "Coming of Spring" (Handel). Sacred Heart College gave a pleasing presentation of "Music and Her Sister Song" (Glover), and the vicacious "Huntsman's Chorus" (Weber). Splendid tonal qualities were revealed by a choir from the Takapuna Grammar School in "The Bells of St. Michael's Tower." i With fine balance of tone the Auckland Grammar School silver band rendered German's "Yeoman of England" and the spirited march "On Parade." The Epsom Girls' Grammy School orchestra, composed of string instruments, gave an enioVable rendering of "Bouree in G" (Handel) and "Impromptii" (Scriabine), while the vivacious spirit of "A Sailor's Dance (Dunhill) was well captured.