ROYAL CHORAL.SOCIETY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2392, 23 February 1915, Page 8

ROYAL CHORAL.SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT. • .■lhe report of the Royal Wellington 'Choral Society, to' .be submitted to': the annual meeting to -be. held on JViday evening next, • states that the year the following works, ivero performed:—April 21, miscellaneous oonce'rt (in aid of. Upper. Hutt'fire relief fund); May 28, "Slaritana" (Wallace); September 18, "Samson and Delilah" (SaintSaens); November 20, "In a Persian Garden" (Liza Lehmann), and "A Tale of Old Japan" (Coleridge-Taylor); December 18, "The Messiah" (Handel); December 25, ! 'The Messiah" (in aid of patriotic fund). ■ 'j y •

In addition to the above a ooncert was given under the auspices, of- the Society by the Paul Dufault Co. in settlement of the society's claim against Mr. Dufault for his non-appearance at the performance of "The Messiah" in December, 1913. This' concert waß a success, both artistically and financially. , The miscellaneous concert held in aid of the Upper Hutt fire relief fund was also successful, and resulted in the sum of £34.being handed over to the fund. The performance of the old-time favourite "Maritaria" was greatly appreciated by the public, arid the singing of Mr. and Mrs. Gregor Wood, of Melbourne, will he remembered by those present! The performance of "Samson! and Delilah" was one of the most ex- ! pensive arid ambitious concerts ever undertaken by the'society, but,'unfortunately, war broke out shortly before j the performance took place, and this undoubtedly(interfered with the publio interest in the ooncert, whioli resulted

in a considerable loss. The other concerts—"A Tale of Old Japan" and "The Messiah" were adversely affected by the war, both as regard the number of male voices taking part, and receipts. The repetition of "The "Messiah" on i Ohristmas night in'aid of the War Relief Fund was not • supported by the public to the extent anticipated by the committee, and in consequence no contribution to the fund resulted. Tho society was fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Peter Dawsori, the famous English baritone for the two performances of "The Messiah'," aid his singing was greatly appreciated. During the month of July, while the rehearsals of "Samson and Delilah" were in progress, the committee received tho resignation of the conductor, Mr. Christian Hellemann. Mr. Herbert Bloy agreed to carry on the work, and was afterwards appointed for the remainder of the season.. Tie thanks of the committee are due to Mr. Amsden, Mr. Kerry, members of the orchestra, the Bristol Piano Co. for the use of booking office, and all other friends who have assisted the society during the year.

The balance-sleet shows very oleaxly what a serious effect tho war has had on the concert receipts of the year. Prior to tho war "Maritana" was performed, the receipts amounting to £113 12s. Then'camo the war and after that tho performance of "Samson and Delilah" the receipts falling as low as £48 15s. "An effort was made to pull up with "A Tale of Old Japan" and "The Porsian Garden" song cycle, but thoro a further loss was sustained, the receipts only ■ amounting to £39 10s. "Tho Messiah," always popular, saw the strain lifted, and the record concert for the year—£l27 7b. The receipts for other concerts were as follow:—Paul Dufault's concert, £82 10s.: the Hutt fire'benefit concert, £50 ; and the Belgium relief concert, £112 Bs. 6d. Tlie balance to credit on the year's operations amounted to £1 12s. ,4d. over Jift.