MUSICAL RECIPROCITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23218, 12 December 1938, Page 10

MUSICAL RECIPROCITY

Highly gratifying to all musiclovers in the Dominion and to many others is the success of the second combined Auckland-Wellington rendering of the "Messiah," under a guest-conductor. When the lloyal Wellington Choral Union journeyed to Auckland last year, and under Mr. Stanley Oliver's baton joined the Auckland Choral Society in presenting this oratorio here at the accustomed time, it was realised that the innovation could be advantageously given more than a casual welcome. So memorable was the achievement that a wish was expressed at once for a return performance in Wellington under Mr. Oolin Muston. Now, after an experience quite as notable for its musical excellence, a desire for a regular interchange of such visits has been publicly voiced. This idea merits every possible encouragement. There can be no doubt of sustained enthusiasm for it so long as the necessary arrangements continue to becapably made and carried out. It was no mean feat of organisation to take 140 members of the Auckland Choral Society to Wellington for this one-night event; convincing proof was thus given of appreciation of tho Wellington Choral Union's enterprise in making the northward journey last year. On each occasion has been evinced a correspondingly eager interest on the part of the local public. Such' things speak for themselves in hearty approval, and those responsible year by year for the arrangements ; .can confidently expect a similar response. Of the educative value of such an annual alternation there is no need to say a word, and the inspiring effect of the augmented chorus, in this eminent product of Handel's genius | for massed vocal harmony, is beyond I estimation. All concerned are to be congratulated on the prospect for permanence of the interchange*