“ THE MESSIAH”

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21601, 11 December 1941, Page 4

“ THE MESSIAH”

STIRRING PRESENTATION The deathless message of Christmastide as contained in Handdl’s “Messiah” was presented in all its triumphant power in the Hamilton Baptist Church last night by the church choir. A congregation of 450 heard one of the finest interpretations of this great oratorio given in Hamilton for some timo*

A strong choir of 40 voices, under the baton of Mr G. Salthouse, sang with power and certainty, working up to the stirring climax of “Worthy is the Lamb” and the “Hallelujah” chorus. Two Hamilton singers, Mrs D. Fountain and Mrs J. Woodward, took the soprano and contralto parts respectively, Mrs Fountain’s voice, in particular, being heard at its best in “Rejoice Greatly” and “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” To the difficult bass arias Mr S. C. Williams, the well-known Auckland singer, brought experience and confidence. The tenor parts were taken by Mr J. D. Lacey, of Tauranga. A feature of the presentation was the spirited accompaniment by Mr R. Wilson, of Auckland, who showed the beauty of the Everett electric organ to its full advantage, particularly in the beautiful solo number, “The Pastoral Symphony.” He was given good support by the pianist, Mrs A. Lonsdale, of Hamilton.