WESTMINSTER SINGERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17918, 14 January 1930, Page 8

WESTMINSTER SINGERS.

FAREWELL SEASON OPENED. AN ENJOYABLE CONCERT. The Westminster Glee Singers, under the direction of Mr Edward Branscombe, commenced a brief farewell season at the Theatre Royal last night, and) their solo and' -concerted singing proved as popular as ever. In these days, when so much “tinned" music is heard, it is refreshing to pieet the Glee Singers, with their beautiful voices, their rare gift of interpretation, and, above all, their choice repertoire. Their programme makes a particular appeal to Britishers, for it includes many British folk -songs, ballads essentially British in theme and treatment, and other numbers that -create immediately the national “atmosphere.” For this reason, if for no other, the Westminster Glee Singers deserve success, for they deing much to weld the Empire in an *ip£?re-ciation of its own music, But, of course, they -make a much wider appeal, for music has no limitations, and these gifted boys and men bring us music at its best. The Westminster Glee Singers were a strong combination when they were ia’st in Hamilton, but they return even stronger through the inclusion of Mr Alfred Cunningham, who has just returned from England. Mr -Cunningham first won popularity in New Zealand with the S-carlet Troubadours, and in the years which have passed since then his voice -has, if anything, gained in resonance and quality, and he sings with the same rare artistry, while his genial personality is as appealing as ever. Mr Cunningham opened last night with a stirring'rendition of “Yeomen of England,” followed by the -melodious and harmonious "Pride of Tipperary." There was keen disappointment that Mr Ernest McKinlay, New Zealand’s own tenor, was heard in only one solo, and that not one of those Maori songs which he has made peculiarly his own through the medium of the gramophone. Mr McKinlay lias a voice of beautiful quality, and ‘Tom Bowling,” as sung by him, was one of the gems of the evening. Mr James Barber's musical bass—and how rare is a really musical bass —-was heard to great advantage in “The Coasts of High Barbary," and other enjoyable items on the programme were “The Cuckoo," by Harry Fearn, the sweetvoiced boy soprano; Schubert's “Serenade,” Mr Qharlels O’Connor; and “The Charming Marguerite,” Mr Donald Reid. The rollicking and rhythmic sea chanteys, led by Mr Albert Greene, proved as popular as ever. Among the many concerted numbers which delighted the audience were “Go, Speed Thy Flight,” “The Awakening of Spring,” “Hail, Smiling Morn," “The Lonely Rose,” a cycle of old English melodies, the plantation quartette,- "Dinah Doe,” and a selection of old English sea songs. Some of the encore items introduced a touch of humour that was fully appreciated. The Westminster Glee Singers will make their farewell appearance in Hamilton to-night. There should he a large audience to -bid them goodbye.