A MUSICAL TREAT

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 63, 19 March 1935, Page 3

A MUSICAL TREAT

A MUSICAL TREAT WAIPUKURAU THEATRE Can the Maoris sing? Arc they really musical? Are their voices as good as those of th© Pakeha? To these queries the promoters of the Korongata Maori Choir’s concert say “Come and see,” "Come and hear,” ‘‘Come to the Municipal Theatre, Waipukurau, on Friday next, March 22.” Did you ever hear or know of a company of Maoris singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” from the “Messiah”? There are many Pakeha choirs who are not equal to the task.

But just hear the Korongata Choir of 40 magnificent voices, not only sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” but sing it without musio of any kind in their hands and a very pleasant surprise is in store.

It has never been known before that any choir, no matter how large, has ever attempted to sing this great musical combination —Che Korongata Maori Choir—not only sings it but sings it with such breadth of tone and depth of feeling, with such vigour and precision, that the wonderful chorus just lives and vibrates with intensity under the baton of Mr J. Bewley, the conductor. ’ The c ‘Hallelujah Chorus” is to be the test piece for the great Maori Festival to be held at Nuhaka on the 30th March. At this annual competition the Korongata Choir will compete against probably six other Maori choirs as they did last year, when under a pakeha judge from Gisborne they gained first place, being ten points ahead of the next placed choir. At the concert on Friday night, in addition to the “Hallelujah Chorus’ r the choir will also sing last year’s

test piece and several well known part songs, including “Hail Smiling ,Mom”; “John PeelM; “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny” and “Sleep Gentle Lady.” Three fine male part songs will also be sung besides a woman’s three-part song. There will also be some fine quartettes, duets and solos. Action songs and Poi dances by the Maori maidens and a delightfully new Haka by Tot! men and women will conclude a ver fine programme. The music loving section of the pub Ho would be well advised to reserv, Friday night for this function, for * is undoubtedly one that patrons wil remember with pleasure for a Ion; time to come, The box plan is now open at I Hawke and Co., Ltd., where also da sales for all seats can now be secure