ST CECILIA CHOIR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17346, 29 September 1924, Page 7

ST CECILIA CHOIR.

SECOND GRAND CONCERT. The St Cecilia Choir is one of the junior musical organisations of the city that is earning a name for the quality of its concerts. The choir is one for female voices only, and it is under the direction of Mr Sidney Williamson. T here are about sixty performing members, who render very pleasantly the choruses and part songs selected efor their concerts. The impression left hv the choir at Saturday evening’s concert in the Choral Hall was a favourable one. Some of the numbers were really excellent, though others betrayed rather obvious weaknesses. The highest merit was probably'reached in the three part song “The Gardener,” in which expression, phrasing and balance were duly attended to, with the result that the number was given very sweetly- A popular item was the “Huntsmen’s Chorus” from Weber’s “Der Freischutz.” J.t was sung with excellent spirit, and was a bright and tuneful number. A Schubert trio, “Hallelujah” received sympathetic treatment, though it really required a I heavier chorus than came within the power of the choir. “The Death of Trenar” (Brahms) was ratherinvolved, and the same might be said of the rendering of the immortal “Annie Laurie,” set as a three part song for ladies’ voices by Charles Maepherson. “The Lost Chord” and “The Little Grey Home in the West,” settings of the two popular songs, were quite prettily done, and the trio “Hence Care” was rattled through with appropriate ga ietv. of musical accomplishment. Several solos were contributed during the evening. Mrs C. Chapman, who has a pleasing soprano voice, sang Mallinson’s “O Sing. Break into Song,” very prettily, also Schumann’s flowing melody “Thou’rt Like a LovelyFlower,” and an encore number. Mrs Robert Wright, a contralto, sang Salvator Rosa’s “Star Yicino” and “Before the Dawn,” both very acceptably indeed. Mr Harry Heatley is always a welcome performer. He was in excellent form, and sang with almost consummate artistry. His fervent treatment of Bononcini’s “For the Glory of Adoring” was a revelation in the way of interpretation. It is a ; melodious air, and Mr Heatley’s voice was admirably suited He was also fully satisfying in the dramatic Amy Woodford Finden song “Will'the Red ; Sun Never Set?” Miss Kathrine Lund, who is aceom* ; panist to the choir. discharged her i duties with skill and taste. She play- ; ed as pianoforte solos Chopin’s “Waltz j in E Minor,” “Wedding Day” j (Greig), and a Chopin “Prelude.” |