ENJOYABLE RECITAL

Southland Times, Issue 25386, 13 September 1935, Page 8

ENJOYABLE RECITAL

FIRST CHURCH CHOIR. WELL-TRAINED SINGERS. The recital presented last evening by the members of the First Church choir was an enjoyable one, and the large audience in Stobo Hall heartily applauded the efforts of the singers. A comprehensive programme had been drawn up, and under Mr L. E. Dailey s baton the choir sang a varied selection of numbers with feeling and understanding. The assisting artists were headed by Mrs F. R. S. Petrie, who made a welcome reappearance after a period of inactivity. She has a delightful soprano voice, and last night sang her numbers with restraint and artistry. Mr A. W. Kummert is always popular with local audiences, and he was given a reception that is always reserved for an old favourite. His rich bass-baritone voice was heard to advantage in a wide range of numbers. Master Jack Thompson, a member of the boys’ choir, revealed a promising voice in his songs. Mr W. W. Millar’s symphony orchestra opened the programme by playing Schubert’s “Rosamunde Overture.” This was followed by “Bright and Buxom Lasses,” sung by the choir with verve and spirit. Mrs Petrie’s first number, “The Asra” (Rubinstein), was warmly acclaimed, and she responded to an encore. This was “The Star and the Flower.” The boys’ choir, under Mr Dailey, was heard in “The Wild Brown Bee” and the lilting “Dashing Away.” The singers possess pleasing voices, and in “Dashing Away,” which contains a good deal of solo work, the lads showed evidence of sound and careful training. A mixed quartet, Misses A. Doogin and M. Hunter and Messrs J. Sherrills and W. Campbell, sang “Oh Where Art Thou Dreaming?” and “Song of the Violet.” Mr Kummert was applauded for his singing of “Harlequin” and he responded with “Mending Roadways.” The choir brought the first half of the programme to a close by singing "The Bells of St. Michael’s Tower.” The orchestra again headed the programme when the second half commenced, and then the choir presented “Drops of Rain” and “Two Cupids.” Mrs Petrie sang “Mimi’s Song” (Puccini) delightfully. Her encore number was “Rose Softly Blooming.” Messrs Dailey, C. B. Stroud, R. Liddell and W. Liddell were heard in “Spin! Spin!” and “My Heart is Sair.” They were very popular and were recalled. Schubert’s “Hark! Hark! The Lark,” was Master Thompson’s first offering, and this was followed by “Five Little Piccaninnies.” Mr Kummert sang “Till I Wake,” and as an encore presented “Tally Ho!” The audience recalled him again and the favourite “Floral Dance” was his choice. “The Song of Flonnuala” and “Kitty of Coleraine’’ were sung by the choir. As a final number the singers were heard in the bridal chorus from the “Rose Maiden.” The orchestra accompanied the singers in this colourful number.

Mrs Dailey and Miss N. Hay were the accompanistes.