MUSICAL FESTIVAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22373, 21 September 1934, Page 4

MUSICAL FESTIVAL

HANOVER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. The strong appeal', that Mendelssohn’s oratorio, “ Elijah,” ■ makes to the British public is no doubt partly due to the fact that its theme contains a strong contrast between heathen morality, represented by King Ahab and the priests of Baal, and the pure monotheism of Jehovah, represented by the lonely prophet Elijah. As one listens to the development of this epic struggle portrayed in music by the genius of Mendelssohn, one is forced to recognise the work as inspired. Interpreted by the Hanover Street Baptist Choir (largely augmented) on the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of the church on September 2i», with solo voices of outstanding purity and power, it should prove a tonic for the times. The choir may be trusted to give a characteristic interpretation of the splendid choruses with which the work “ Hear Ye, Israel,” “ 0 Rest in the Lord,” Then Shall the Righteous Shine Forth,” “ It is Enough.” are amongst the distinctive solos that, will be sung, and the choir will contribute, amongst others, the great “Baal” chorus, “ Thanks Be to God,” “ Behold God the Lord Passed By.” There will be a full orchestral accompaniment, led by Mr G. Raffills. Miss Evelyn Shepard, a vocalist well known to Dunedin music lovers, will take the soprano solos, while Miss Viola Styles, who has recently had the advantage of four years’ study at the Sydney Conservatorium under Signor Bentivolip/ will be entrusted with the contralto work, Mr L. E. Dailey, of Invercargill, will take the tenor role. Mr Dailey is well known throughout New Zealand as the possessor of a voice of fine quality. Mr.E. R. Benton, as Elijah, has undoubtedly the heavier part, but with the experience in the past gained by this singer he should do well. Miss Pearl Westland will officiate at the organ, and the entire production will be under the ,’ capable leadership of Mr James Simpson.