RETURNED SERVICES’ CHOIR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25384, 16 November 1943, Page 6

RETURNED SERVICES’ CHOIR

SIXTY-EIGHTH' CONCERT An attractively-varied programme of songs was presented in its customarily spirited and vigorous fashion by the Dunedin Returned Services’ Choir at its sixtyeighth recital in the Concert Chamber last night. Under the direction of Mr L. B. Borrow, the singers carried out their work, for the most part, with efficiency and verve, and their lapses from good cohesion and balance were rare. They were at their best In compositions of the more robust type, but there were also occasions when they exploited a quieter mood with considerable success. Among their best numbers were Maunders «Song of the Northmen,” in which the contrasts were carefully studied; the hymn, " Sweet is the Work, by Eignbrook; two traditional Scottish airs. " Farewell ” and " Ho, Ro, My Nut-brown Maiden a group of five sea-shanties, " Fire Down Below,” " Roll the Cotton Down," ” Stormalong,” " Hullabaloo Belay,” and “A Long Time Ago,’ in Which Mr P. S. Anderson made a good leading shanteyman; "Drake’s Drum,” by Coleridge-Taylor, " The Rooster and the Ostrich Egg,” an amusing morsel by Rowley; and Pinsuti’s “.In This Hour of Softened Splendour.” Other numbers were "Battle Song,” by Cyril Jenkins, Swansea Town,” by Gustav Holst, and Song of Songs," by Moya. . , . . . Miss Pat Woods sang with insight and expression in her mezzo-soprano numbers, which included German’s Have You’News of My Boy Jack?” “ Seguidilla,” from Bizet’s “ Carmen,” and the three Negro spirituals, “Lord, I Want to be a Christian,” “ Crucifixion,” and “Aint dat Good News.” Miss Woods also sang Roberton’s lovely Irish cradle song. " Maureen,” the choir providing a humming accompaniment. Captain A. J. H. Jeavons. making his first re-appearance on a Dunedin concert platform since he was invalided home from the Middle East, was associated with the choir in an impressive performance of Elgar s ” Britain, Ask of Thyself," In which he sang the solo part with expressive shading. Later in the concert he was again heard in effective presentations of “Hear. Me. Ye Winds and Waves,” by Handel, and " O Could I But Express in Song. ’ Mr George Swan, a soloist from the choir, sang "The Veteran’s Song.” by Adams, in vigorous style. Master David Christensen played the cornet solo ” Fantasie Concertante ” (Weber-Hoch), in accomplished fashion, and another young instrumentalist. Master Glynne Adams, played the violin solo " Czardas,” by Monti, with good tone and executive ability. Mr T. A. Tarrant's humorous recitation, ” Horticulture in the Home,” was capably done. The pianoforte accompaniments were played by Miss Sybil Baker.