CONCERT BY MALE CHOIR

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1931, Page 10

CONCERT BY MALE CHOIR

ENJOYABLE PROGRAMME GIVEN.

TALENTED ASSISTING ARTISTS.

A particularly attractive programme lias presented at the Hawera Male Choir’s concert last night. The choir as usual provided some most enjoyable numbers while the choice of assisting artists—Miss Naomi Whalley (Palmerston North), Mr. C. N. Fletcher (Wanganui) and Mr. J. JI. Crompton (Manaia) —was most happy. The programme opened with the choral number “On the Sea” (Dudley Buck), which, put the audience in an appreciative mood ■ for the following numbers. “The Mistake” (H. Ernest Hunt) and “To Thee, Great Lord” (Fletcher) were the choir’s other contributions in the first half. The choir opened after the interval with an amusing part song, “The Owl and the Pussy Cat” (Reginald de Koven) and brought the curtain down with a fine interpretation of “King Olaf’s Christmas” (Buck). The last is a short cantata, taking only about a quarter of an hour to perform, but it includes two fine solos, which were capably handled by Messrs A. E. Morris (tenor) and B. Malone (baritone). The choir was nicely balanced with approximately equal numbers of tenors and. basses. , There were pleasant memories of Miss Whalley, for she left a lasting impression when she. sang at a choir concert in Hawera two or three years ago. This brilliant soprano sang “Nymphs and Fawns” (Bimberg) in the'first half and in the second the ‘bracket’ “Nursery Rhymes” (Curran) and "The False Prophet” (Scott). She was enthusiastically encored, and, if anything, enhanced her already considerable Hawera reputation. She can be sure of a welcome when she is heard again in South Taranaki, as it is to be hoped she will ba sooii.

Much had been heard of Mr. Tucker as a flautist, but it is safe to say that his hearers were not the least disappointed. "Wing Amongst the Trees” (Briccialdi) was delightful, but so was ‘‘Scherzo Capriccio” (Sabathil), both eliciting rounds of applause from the audience. Mr. Tucker, too, can always be sure of an appreciative hearing in Hawera.

Mr. Crompton is a welcome addition to the ranks of local vocalists. He chose two robust numbers last night, admirably suited to his strong baritone. “The Floral Dance,” • always a favourite, and. “Shipmates, of Mjne,” Sanderson’s populai* song, were well sung and well received.

The work of an accompanist, though it sometimes passes unnoticed, is none the less important. Mrs. W. A. Quin has done good work before and she did it again last night. “King Olaf’s Christmas” had a special organ accompaniment artistically played by Mr. L. Rowe, organist at St. John's.

The duties of a conductor are not easy, and upon them in a large measure depends the success of the choir. Mr. Herbert. Webb once again wielded the baton with distinction. ,

The choir’s quartet was missed from the programme. Messrs. G. ,H. Buckeridge, B. Malone, J. C. Smith and A. E. Morris have given in the past some of the most attractive numbers at the choir’s concerts and could always be relied on. for a consistent performance. Perhaps they will be heard at the next concert.

The concert; was held in St." Mary’s Hall and the larger accommodation was appreciated by the general public, who in the past have seldom had the opportunity of hearing the choir.