CHORAL SOCIETY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 149, 26 June 1931, Page 11

CHORAL SOCIETY

• ‘ A TALE OF OLD JAPAN. ’ ’ (By “D Major.”) The Wanganui Choral Society, under Mr F. W. Slater, presented their first concert of the 1931 season on Wednesday evening. That very pleasing cantata, “A Tale of Old Japan” (Cole-ridge-Taylor) was given, and was well received by the large audience at the Opera House. The assisting artists were Mesdaines Olive Tarrant and Wilfred Andrews, Messrs Dennis Sheard and Charles Haar. The first part of the programme consisted of vocal solos by these artists. Mrs Tarrant (soprano) sang “D’Amor Hull’ah Rosce” (“Il Trovatore”) and was given a decided encore. Mrs Wilfred Andrews, contralto, of Wellington, who is wellknown to radio audiences, sang “Dearest Fernando,” from Domzett’s opera “La Eavorita.” Mrs Andrews possesses a rich contralto voice which she uses with considerable artistry and she at once demonstrated what a talented vocalist she is. She Lad to respond tn a doub elencore. Mr Dennis Sheard, tenor, of Wellington, sang “The Romance” (“JlAppari”) from “ Marta. ” This is one of the simplest melodics ever written and is a popular tenor air. Mr Sheard’s rendering was perhaps a little overdone. Mr Charles Haar, baritone, sang a bracket of two wcllknown songs, “Oh Could I But Express in Song” (Malashkin) and “I Looked Into Your Garden” (Wood). He was enthusiastically encored. Part 11. was occupied with the presentation of “A Tale of Old Japan.” Difficult though the work is, the society must be congratulated on the very pleasing performance and last night showed the progress the Choir has made in the last few years. The sad story of Y’oidi Tenko, Kini San and Sawara was unfolded in well-balanced chorus and solo work. The iuterest was well maintained, although constant repetition in a work of this nature tepds to spoil the effect. The society, however, did good work and the conductor, principals and chorus deserve high praise. The accompanist was Mr Horatio Nelson, A.T.C.L., hon. accompanist to the society.