RETURNED SERVICES’ CHOIR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25560, 13 June 1944, Page 6

RETURNED SERVICES’ CHOIR

SIXTY-NINTH CONCERT AN ENJOYABLE PERFORMANCE After having laboured for some years under the handicap of a slowly-diminish-ing membership, the Dunedin ReturnedServices’ Choir now appears to have passed the most critical period of its long existence. The presence in the choir o£ a number of men who have returned after service with the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force was a feature of the choir’s sixty-ninth recital last night that would be observed with gratification by its many well-wishers, for it gives promise of steady reinforcements in the future and the rejuvenation of an organisation of which Dunedin has every reason to be proud. The stimulating effect of this infusion of new blood was apparent in the choir’s performance, which was up to its best standard, the singers achieving good balance, cohesion, and precision under the control of Mr L. B. Borrow. The choir's programme was attractively varied, and exploited a diversity of moods, all of which received thoughtful and expressive treatment. Opening with a spirited interpretation of Aylward’s " Song of the Bow.” the choir went on to give satisfying performances of "A Prayer to Isis” (de Rille), "It’s Oh! To Be a Wild Wind” (Elgar). “The Long Day Closes” (Sullivan), which was sung in memory of the choir’s late president. Colonel J. H. Moir, find Mr Walter W. Strang, a performing member of thg choir, "The Frog” (Newton), and " The Forge Song,” a melodious and lively work by Lothar Kempter. “ Tar’s Song,” by Hatton, and Strauss’s ” Blue Danube ’ were deservedly popular items, and the remaining numbers, all of which were skilfully handled, were “ With Cat-like Tread,” from “ Pirates of Penzance.” “ O Peaceful Night” (German), "Hail to the .Chief ” (Bishop), “Awake. Aeolian Lyre " (Denby), and "Laughing Chorus” (Root).

Mr Morris G. Double, one of the latest recruhs to the choir’s strength, sang the baritone solos '* For England,” by Murray, and “A Child’s Prayer, by Thayer, in attractive style, and a quartet consisting of Messrs Double, G. Stevens, R. Summers, and H. Wilson, all of whom are returned from the present war, sang “ In Absence,” by Dudley Buck, with good balance. Mr C. S. Turner, another choir member who was making his first appearance as a soloist, sang two Scottish numbers, “ Scots Wha Hae ” and “ The Standard on the Braes o’ Mar,” in authoritative and distinctive style. Miss June Donaldson, who Is the possessor of an attractive soorano voice, sang

“ Tf » Girls of Cadiz,” bv Delibes, a setting of Liszt’s " Liebestraum,” and “ Gentle Shepherd,” by Pergolesi, with charm and poise. Mrs Anita Oliver’s elocutionary numbers, "A Visit to the Dentist,” with appropriate pianoforte accompaniment, and " White Crosses,” a poem composed by a New Zealander. Sergeant Windsor, in memory of his fallen comrades in the Pacific, were artistically done. Mr Walte T ' Sinton contributed two skilfully executed xylophone solos. “ Rose of Tralee ” and “ The Last Rose of Summer.” Miss Sybil Baker's musicianly pianoforte accompaniments to the choral and solo items were one of the features of the entertainment.