OPERATIC CONCERT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 531, 7 December 1928, Page 14

OPERATIC CONCERT

PUCCINI SOCIETY'S AUSPICIOUS OPENING j Although it is a difficult matter for | amateurs to stage opera in New Zeai land, there is certainly no reason why I they should not sing it. That it can be sung effectively was demonstrated by the Puccini Musical Society at its inaugural concert held at the Town Hall last evening. This society, which -as recently been organised under the leadership of Signor Costantini, is already in a fair way to becoming a strong organisatiui The concerted numbers and also some of the solos last evening showed that the society possesses some really good voices, and with the strengthening of the bass and tenor parts good progress should be made. Probably the most attractive of tlie chorus numbers were the “Consacrazione e preghiera,” from Verdi’s sanguinary opera, “La Forza del Destino,” and the Gloria and Credo from Perosi’s “Missa Benedicamus Domino.” It was only to be expected that in these works the balance would lightly suffer as a result of numerical weakness in the bass and tenor parts, but, notwithstanding, two really commendable performances resulted. Strict attention was paid to the requirements of light and shade, and good tonal effects were obtained. In all the concerted numbers the influence of the maestro was always in evidence. It was rather unfortunate that the opening number was marred to a certain extent by late-comers being allowed to take their seats during the progress of the item. In fairness to the soloists and also to those members of the audience who arrive punctually, the customary rule forbidding entrance during the performance of a number should be strictly enforced at future concerts. The “Miserere” from “II Trovatore” has now become too hackneyed to be really enjoyable; nevertheless, credit must be given for the manner in which it was treated; also for the really excellent singing of the two soloists, Miss E. Herbert and Mr. P. Fagan. Other commendable works were the “Church Scene” from “Faust,” with Miss G. Ryan and Mr. J. Caldwell as soloists; the “Toreador” scena from “Carmen,” with Mr. Valentine as soloist; and the popular but less musical “Funiculi, Funicula,” which was sung by Mr. Fagan and choir. In addition to the soloists referred to, mention must be made of the work of Miss C. Duncan and Mr. C. Hadley, and Mr. E. Mitchell and Miss R. Madden. Miss Duncan is an accomplished singer who should prove a very useful member, and Miss Madden is the possessor of a rich mezzo soprano of rather unusual quality. Her lower register is particularly deep and colourful. Her “Carmen” number was particularly enjoyable. A young soloist who created a very favourable impression was Miss D. Jenkin. Her opening number was “Musetta’s Song” from “La Boheme.” Perhaps it did not altogether portray the reckless gaiety of the attractive but wanton Musetta, but nevertheless it was a very promising performance. Miss Herbert’s “One Fine Day,” from “Madame Butterfly,” was attractively sung, as also was Miss G. Ryan’s “Ave Maria” (Gounod). In addition to his solo work with the choir, Mr. Fagan gave a particularly pleasing interpretation of Godard’s “Angels Guard Thee.” Mr. Fagan has a very easy production, and a tenor voice of bright and attractive quality. It is surprising that he is not heard more often. The second portion of the programme was comprised mostly of solo numbers, and was pleasingly varied. The items were as follow:—Miss G. Ryan, Gounod’s “Ave Marie”; Mr. G. Ford, “Gloria” (Pecci); Miss G. Ross. “Ritorna Vincitor”; Mr. C. Hadley, “Otu Palermo”; Mr. J. Caldwell, “Serenata” from “Faust”; Miss R. Madden, “Habanera” from “Carmen”; duet, Miss R. Madden and Air. C. Hadley, “Duet of the Swallows”; and duet, Miss G. Ross and Mr. G. Ford, “Venetian Boat Song.” Besides contributing a violin solo, Mr. A. C. Gracie also provided several pleasing obbligatos. Miss L. Rae, who was entrusted with the evening’s accompaniments, got through a heavy programme with apparent ease. Miss E. Ironside was the organist.