“AIDA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 123, 15 August 1927, Page 15

“AIDA”

SATURDAY’S PERFORMANCE With the final performance of “Aida” at the Town Hall on Saturday evening concluded one of the most . successful seasons held by the Auckland Choral Society. Despite minor defects inseparable from an amateur production of such a work, Verdi’s beautiful music was given in a manner which undoubtedly reflects great credit upon all concerned. The soloists, Madame Winnie Fraser, Miss Etta Field, Miss Laura Walker, Mr. Birrell O’Malley, Mr. Barry Coney, Mr. Frank Sutherland, Mr. J. de Montalk and Mr. Robert Peter, were all well at home in their parts and at times received warm ovations from a large and very enthusiastic audience. Good tone and volume were again pleasing features of the chorus work, while the work of the orchestra, under the leadership of Miss E. Whitelaw, was also up to the satisfactory standard of the previous performance. At the conclusion of the performance enthusiastic cheers were given for Mr. Colin Muston, the society’s talented director, to whom the success attained is so largely due. Special lighting and decorative effects went a long way toward providing a worthy setting for the work. DRAMATIC RECITAL MR. WALTER RUSSELL-WOOD A pleasing dramatic recital was given by the pupils of Mr. Russell Wood on Saturday evening at the Unity Hall. Before the commencement of the entertainment it was announced that, owing to indisposition, Miss Ruth Lindsay Johnstone would be unable to appear. Her part was taken by Mrs. E. B. Lovell at very short notice and was very well played. A recitation, “Matri Dilectissimae,” with violin and ’cello obbligato, was given by Mr. Russell Wood himself, who also took part in two humorous sketches. Of his pupils, Miss Ruth Scott, Miss Eileen Hill, Miss Edna Smeaton, and little Miss Zoe Faville showed decided ability. In the Japanese Fantasy Miss Scot sang very prettily, accompanying herself with a harp. Two of the most popular items of the evening were Miss Edna Smeaton's recitation, “The Mouse Trap.” which caused many laughs, and also Miss Zoe Faville’s recitation, “Dot’s Troubles.” Miss Zoe’s facial expressions were excellent. The musical trio, Mrs. Robertson. Miss Olive Lloyd and Mr. N. Watson, was worthy of praise. The child interlude was altogether charming, Miss Faville being heartily applauded later in the evening, as she walked through the audience to her seat carrying, her flowers and chocolates. Owing, probably, to the indifferent weather the house was not as full as anticipated.