ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING.

Wairarapa Age, 29 August 1933, Page 4

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING.

MASTEBTON CHORAL SOCIETY. PRESENTATION OF ‘ ‘TH® MESSIAH.’” ’ Enthusiasm was the keynote of a largely attended meeting of the- Masterton Choral Society, field last night to consider the practicability of presenting “The Messiah-” this year. Very encouraging and' gratifying promises of support were deceived from both-male and female vocalists,, and it was unanimously decided to present Handel’s oratorio , towards the end of November and to commence practices on Monday, September 11. Mr. C. C. Marsack, chairman of the committee, .who. presided, said that enquiries had been made from the different church choirs and indications pointed to a fair amount of support being forthcoming. The lack of male voices had been. the biggest problem, but a number of men in the town were keen to see “The Messiah” put on and had expressed: their willingness to assist. Mr. C. W. Kerry was prepared to again undertake the eonductorship of the choir if it was decided to present the oratorio.. Miss Phyllis Liddell, who had taken the soprano solos last year, had also stated that she was prepared again to assist the society. There appeared to be a general feeling in the town, Mi. Marsack said, that “The Messiah”- should be presented again this year. He understood that they could rely on the Orchestral Society for support, although there was nothing official to hand from the society. There wa& a motion before the meeting, consideration of which had been deferred some months ago, that the society be wound up. As the result of enquiries. the committee felt that it would not be very difficult to get a solid choir to present some work. The matter was one, however, for the meeting to decide. Personally, he added, he felt that if they could do the work as well as it was done last year it was worth repeating, but if not it would be better “to pack up.” After some further discussion, in the course of which it was stated that St. Patrick’s choir could supply at least seven male an amendment moved by Miss K. Craickshank, that “The Messiah” be performed towards the end of November, was carried unanimously. It was also decided to commence practices of the work in the Methodist Hall on Monday, September 11, at 7.30 p.m. From then on practices will be held every Monday night.