SONG RECITAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18189, 23 June 1927, Page 12

SONG RECITAL.

MADAME OTTLEK'S PUPILS. Hard work under expert guidance is bound to produce results, and this axiom was fully exemplified at the Jellicoe Ilall last evening, when a song recital was given by the pupils of Madame Josephine Ottlee, A.R.A.AI. It is in such recitals that an audience hears the very best side of amateur musical work, and last night the standard of the performances was very high indeed. Noticeable throughout was a surprisingly high technical standard, which speaks volumes for the training that the performers had undergone. The selection of the items was catholic and well carried out, the number in no case being beyond the compass and ability of the performer. At the end of the evening a large audience showed their appreciation by spontaneous applause. Through the performance the accompaniment work was ably car ried out by Aliss Elsie Ives and Air Finlay Robb. The stage was hung with heavy black curtains, and wide bowls of tawny-shaded chrysanthemums were used in the decorative scheme. The following programme was given: Trio, “ On a May Aloming,” Airs S. Cox, Aliss Dorothy Lawrence and Alisa Vera Alartin; song, “ Villanelle,” Miss Gwen Alogridge; songs, (a) “Bird of Blue,” (b) “A Fairy Story by the Fire,” Airs Cyril Stringer: song, “ Winds in the South,” Aliss Elsie Ives; song, “ Easter Hymn,” Aliss Vera Alartin; aria. “Bel Raggio ” (Semi.ramide), Airs S. Cox; song, “ Wild Geese,” Airs Dulieu; song fantasy, “Bells of Is,” Aliss Dorothy Lawrence; songs at the piano, (a) “Peace,” (b) “The Heart Worships,” Air Finlay Robb; duet, “I Heard a Voice in the Tranquil Night,” Aliss Evelyn Hill and Aliss Jean Johnson ; song fantasy, “ Ale Company Along,” Aliss Leila Black: songs, (a) “The Soldier’s Wife,” (b) “Lilacs,” Mrs Waters: song, “A Roundel of Rest,” Aliss Rea Sutcliffe: aria, “The Loreley,” Aliss Thelma Ayers; song. “ Torna Ancor,” Aliss Eunice Catton; songs, (a) “Rosebud,” (b) “At Parting,” Air L. C. Quane; song, “The Fairies’ Dance,” Miss Sylvia Angus; songs, (a) “ Bluebells in the Clearings,” (b) “In Haven,” Aliss Vera Martin; duet, “ Arise O Sun,” Airs S. Cox and Miss Dorothy Lawrence. Alany beautiful bouquets were presented during the evening to the performers. At the conclusion of the programme Aladame Ottlee, on behalf of her pupils, made a presentation to Miss Elsie Ives for her help and kindness throughout the year, and as a mark of appreciation and affection Aladame Ottlee presented her with a beautiful dressing-table set, a crystal rose bowl and a signet ring.