CHORAL SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27081, 16 May 1949, Page 6

CHORAL SOCIETY

FORTHCOMING CONCERT WORKS OF BRAHMS The Dunedin Choral Society has for the past eight weeks been rehearsing the great “ German Requiem ” and the “ Song of Destiny ” by Brahms, in preparation for its concert on July 6. The choir was reorganised at the beginning of the season. All members had to pass voice tests, and a number of new members were admitted. As a result the society has the pest choir it has had for a number of years. It is somewhat smaller, numbering about iOO voices, but is better balanced, although there is still room for five or six good tenors. There are waiting lists for the soprano and contralto sections. The members are showing great keenness, and the Brahms works are proving extremely popular. Apart from the full rehearsals, small groups have been assembling for extra rehearsals, and the society confidently believes in its ability to do justice to these two magnificent compositions. The Concert will be an important event in the musical history of Dunedin, as the “ Requiem ” will be performed in the city tor the first time. Full consideration has been given to the choice of soloists. Miss Dora Drake has been entrusted with the soprano part, and Mr Lex Macdonald the baritone. Mr Macdonald, formerly well known as a boy singer now has a fine baritone voice, and has the range, the artistry, and tne temperament for the “Requiem.”