METHODIST CHOIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23222, 16 December 1938, Page 14

METHODIST CHOIR

THE ORATORIO "MESSIAH" f Conducted by Mr. Albert Bryant tho Pitt Street Methodist choir, augmented for tho occasion, presented its annual rendering of "Messiah in tho Pitt Street Church last night. The church was filled to capacity, and at the conclusion oi the oratorio tho audience, which, during the rendering, refrained from applause, adding considerably to tho atmosphere necessary for a full enjoyment of such a work, expressed its appreciation by prolonged applause. . Tho soloists wero Miss Gwonda Weir, soprano, Miss Mina Caldow, contralto, Mr. Leslie Russell, tenor, and Mr. Stewart Harvey, bass. Miss Weir sang with her usual sweetness and good taste, her soft singing being particularly delightful. As always in "Messiah," Miss Caldow was thoroughly nt homo in tho contralto numbers. She sang as one whoso very soul was imbued with the spirit of the work. Throughout all her numbers Miss Caleb w's work was most satisfying. Mr. Russell sang with a good knowledge of his work. His most artistic performance was "Comfort Ye." With a rich voice ancl clean technique, Mr. Harvey sang tho bass solos in masterly fashion. "Tho trumpet shall sound" was sung in a most convincing manner.

Tho chorus, numbering about 70, gave stirring renderings of such choruses as "For unto us," "Lift up your heads," "O thou that tellest," "And the glory," "Worthy is tho Lamb" and "Hallelujah." "Behold,the Lamb of God" and "Surely He hath borne" wero sung with appropriate expression. A special word of praise must go to tho organist, Mr. Stanley Jackson. This is tho first time Mr. Jackson has been hoard in Auckland in a work of this nature and ho acquitted himself remarkably well. At tho conclusion, tho Rev. E. T. Olds thanked tho principals and chorus and presented tho lady soloists with bouquets.