ST. MATTHEW’S CHOIR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20905, 20 December 1929, Page 8

ST. MATTHEW’S CHOIR.

♦ RECITAL OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC. Though considerably below. Us full numerical strength; St. Matthew’s Church Choir gave an enjoyable recital of Christmas . music last night, the main feature being a rendition of the.cantata “The Holy Child” (Adams). The canata was tastefully handled," and the balance, under the circumstances, was well sustained. Mrs H. Greenwood sang the soprano solos with excellent effect and with nice light and shade, and Mr'E. XV. Mills (tenor) and Mr, C. W. Warrell (bass) also gave their respective solos m good style. In the first part of the programme the church organist, Mr Axel Newton, plavetl the “ Pastoral Symphony,” from “ The Messiah” (Handel). ‘’Christmas Pastorale’ (Merkel), and ” March of the Royal Magi.” In each number Mr Newton gave a thoroughly satisfying performance. Merkel’s composition particularly being marked with artistic tonal effects. The choir sang the anthems “ Send Out Thy Light” (Gounod) and “ Sing and Rejoice (Barnby), the carol “We Three Kings of Orient Arc” and the chorus “ Lo, Star-led Chiefs”. (Crotch). The anthems were nicely rendered, but in the chorus the female voices were inclined to become thin in the. higher passages I Masters Boulter, M'Quarrie, and Clarkson added enjoyment to the rendition if the carol, their fresh, sweet voices being heard to advantage in the solo work. Miss May Brooke gave the solo “ Come ■ Unto Him,” from The Messiah,” and sang it well. She has a sweet voice, well produced. and her enunciation was good. The vicar, the Rev. W. A. Hnmblctt, occupied tbe pulpit.