DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 42, 15 October 1903, Page 6

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND.

( (From an occasional correspondent.) At the eleven o'clock Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Rosary Sunday, the choir gave a splendid rendering of Gounod's • Messe Solennelle.' There was a crowded congregation. The soloists were : Madame Casier, Miss Maud Donovan, and Miss Lizzie Knight (soprani), Monsieur Casier (tenor), Mr. Baggstrom (bass). A special feature of this choir is the ever-in-creasmg number of young soloists, and the strength and precision of the chorus. The ever-varying lights and shade of this beautiful work were well and faithfully kept by the choir. Special mention must be made of the singing of Madame Casier in the opening solo of the ' Gloria." This lady is a true artist, of whom the Auckland people are very proud. Miss Lizzie Knight, a rising young mezzo-sop-rano, and the possessor of a voice of rare quality, was heard to great advantage in the devout and solemn ' Et Incarnatus Est.' This young laxly belongs to a family of noted professionals, and will shortly establish a great name for herself. Miss Maud Donovan's singing of the expressive opening solo of the ' Benedictus ' left nothing to be desired ; she possesses a voice of wonderful richness coupled "with great power, and is a great favorite. Monsieur Casier, a gentleman of great experience in the operatic world, possesses a magnificent tenor voice, it might, perhaps, best be described as a Continental tenor of the bravura style. His knowledge of operatic and Church music, together with his bold and descriptive style of singing, renders his services invaluable to the choir. Mr. Baggstrom, the basso, is also from the Continent, and possesses a voice of good quality and wonderful power. The singing of these gentlemen in the 1 Qui tollis ' was a masterful interpretation of this wonderful conception of Gounod's creation. The- splendid three-manual organ, supposed to be the best in the Colony, is ably presided over by the talented young Auckland composer, Mr. Harry Hiscocks, of ' Coronation march ' fame, and who has already made a reputation for himself. Mr. P. F. Hiscocks is to be congratulated upon the success achieved by the cho'r in this as on all other occasions.