SUCCESSFUL CONCERT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 428, 20 November 1930, Page 8

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT

WANGANUI MALE CHOIR AN APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE The. Wanganui Male Choir, assisted by the Wanganui Orchestral Society and Air Hubert Carter, gave their seventy-fifth grand concert in the Opera House last evening. There was a particularly large audience, and patrons were well rewarded by a splendid programme. The choir was conducted by Mr Slater.

The first part of the programme was devoted to short songs by the choir tho “Chorus of the Peers” from

“lolanthe,” the choir was followed by Mr Carter, who sang a bracket of two numbers, “Morning Light” and

“'L’hc Flower Maiden,” both Celtic love songs by W. S. Gwynn Williams. They found instant favour, and as a recall number, the. artist sang the Scotch song “McGregor’s Gathering.” Then followed “Towers of Spring.” by McCollin, ami “Lull Me to Sleep,” by Kidner. These were excellently rendered by the choir, and attracted sustained applause. Hubert Carter then gave further evidence of his artistry in one of Puccini’s favourite songs, “Your Tiny Hand is Frozen.” This song is a selection from “La Bohcinc.” In answer to repeated calls for an encore, Air Carter sang “Quest O’quella” from “ Rigoletta,” and the plantation song “Lie Still Little Robin.” The singing of Cyril Jenkins’ “Victory” by the choir completed the first part of the programme.

The second half was devoted to the rendering of the symphonic ode. “The Desert.” Assisted by the members of the Orchestral Society and Mr Carter, the presentation of the beautiful masterpiece left little to be desired, and all associated with its rendering are to be congratulated. The rendering occupied an hour and ten minutes, and throughout that time the audience followed the work with an interest that reflected appreciation. “The Desert” consists of three parts, subdivided into

several vocal ami orchestral movements. The subject is the mighty desert; itself, with ail its gloom and grandeur. The opening prayer to Allah, the dances des Aimes and the chant of the Muezzin were rendered with a vividness and a descriptive power worthy of particular mention, as were the solo parts sung by Mr Carter. Mrs Stewart Cunningham left nothing to be desired as an accompanist.